Bleach as a Germ Killing Machine
Friday November 14, 2008
Chlorine bleach is a household staple that is an important weapon in the fight against germs. Have you ever wondered why bleach is so effective as an antimicrobial agent? If so, you will be glad to know that researchers from the University of Michigan have discovered how chlorine bleach kills germs.
The key to the effectiveness of bleach as a germ fighter lies in the active ingredient hypochlorite. When hypochlorite comes in contact with bacteria, it causes particular bacterial proteins to clump together and become ineffective. Once this happens, the bacteria die.
Interestingly enough, our bodies also produce hypochlorite which is used by our immune system to fight off germs. Unfortunately, hypochlorite is also harmful to other cells of the body and can cause tissue damage.
Learn more about this discovery, see:
The key to the effectiveness of bleach as a germ fighter lies in the active ingredient hypochlorite. When hypochlorite comes in contact with bacteria, it causes particular bacterial proteins to clump together and become ineffective. Once this happens, the bacteria die.
Interestingly enough, our bodies also produce hypochlorite which is used by our immune system to fight off germs. Unfortunately, hypochlorite is also harmful to other cells of the body and can cause tissue damage.
Learn more about this discovery, see:
- How Household Bleach Kills Bacteria (Science Daily)
Comments
thats good but i want to see the full abstract of tht research. Where will i get that or else can you please send it to me. The bleach doesn’t effect the usefull bacterial flora of soil. I think it effects the soil organisms like farmers friend earth worm.. etc. what the research tells about that.