In this age of special concern for health, entering public places such as malls, stations, hospitals, and so on, often smelling of a special disinfection, the frequent spraying of antibacterials by the cleaning staff, many of them are in the heart, unconsciously feeling that there is a “protective shield” of antibacterials, and that there is no “living path” for bacteria, and naturally there is no more bacteria. However, it is a profound mistake, and today we will look into it.
Antibacterials, undoubtedly, are a powerful weapon against bacteria. As a matter of principle, like common chlorine-containing antibacterial agents, it can destroy the cytowalls and membranes of bacteria, thereby interfering with the metabolism of bacteria and preventing their growth and reproduction, while alcohol-based antibacterial agents, by degenerating bacterial proteins, have the effect of bactericide. In public places, especially in densely populated areas, high frequency use of antibacterial agents does significantly reduce the amount of bacteria on the surface of objects at the initial stage. For example, in the hospital waiting halls, there has been a significant reduction in the number of common pathogenic bacteria, such as coli and yellow grapes, in high-frequency contact areas such as seat-lifters, registered windows, etc., after repeated daily antibacterial spraying, to some extent reducing the risk of cross-infection.
But this in no way means that the spread of bacteria is completely blocked. First, the ability of bacteria to survive and adapt is called “resistence”. Even if antibacterial agents temporarily suppress or kill most of the bacteria, there are still “spillfish” that rapidly adjust their own structures to create antibacterial resistance. As with the emergence of superb bacteria, the long-term and monolithic use of some kind of antibacterial agent has sifted out these “failable little powers”, which evolve under the “cracker” of antibacterial agents and, when the time is right, they will again flourish and spread indiscriminately.
Secondly, the complexity of public spaces is far from imagination. The flow of people, the soil contaminated with the soles of their shoes, the fungus in the sluice, and the variety of micro-organisms from all sides are constantly being introduced. Antibacterials can only function on sprayed surfaces, and are often too long for bacteria that are hidden in the corner, deep in the cracks, or that just follow a new wave of people. In the case of mall lifts, for example, although the handmen are decontaminated many times a day, positions such as pedals, bottom room, etc., can easily become routes for bacterial “dark silos”, which can spread as the population moves without notice.
Moreover, the diversity of means of communication is a key factor. Bacteria can be transmitted not only by exposure to contamination, but also by air. In crowded closed spaces, such as subway cars, where people cough, sneeze, and the foam with the fungus can spread in the air at short notice. Even when antibacterial agents are sprayed in the surrounding environment, these airborne pathogens can open new infections as passengers breathe, enter the respiratory tract.
How can sanitation be properly guaranteed in public places in the face of this situation? On the one hand, rational use of antibacterials is essential. High-frequency spraying cannot be relied upon at all times, but rather is based on scientific norms, rotating the use of different types of antibacterial agents to avoid bacterial resistance, combining physical clean-up methods, such as deep-swipe, dust-sucking, and removing “hotbeds” where bacteria breed.
On the other hand, enhanced ventilation is an extremely expensive initiative. Large malls, writing buildings, etc., can effectively reduce air-transmission risks by increasing the amount of wind delivered by new wind systems and allowing fresh air to continue to dilute bacterial concentrations. For each and every one of us, maintaining good personal hygiene practices, wearing masks in public places, washing hands and spitting, is both a protection for ourselves and a responsibility to others, and can stem the “flow” of bacteria from the source.
The frequent spraying of antibacterials in public places, while necessary, is by no means universal. It is only through a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of the spread of bacteria and the concerted efforts of many parties that a truly healthy and secure public environment can be created in which people can travel and communicate freely, without needing to worry about “unseen pathogens”.
