In our daily lives, micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses are everywhere, and they constantly affect our health. Knowledge of antibacterials and the right methods of disinfection can make us masters of life, protecting our health and that of our families.
First of all, let’s get to know the usual disinfection methods. One is physical disinfection, which is nature’s “sterilisation master”. One of these is boiled disinfection, where articles are put into the water to heat up to boiling point and are maintained for 15 – 30 minutes, which effectively kills bacteria and viruses. For example, our daily utensils, which are regularly boiled and disinfected, provide food security. The same is true for steam disinfection, where high-temperature steam is used to sterilize articles, which are often used for unsatisfied items such as clothing, towels, etc. And UV sterilisation, which destroys the DNA structure of bacteria and viruses to kill them. However, when UV lamps are used to disinfect them, it is important to ensure that they are carried out in uninhabited conditions so as not to cause harm to the body.
The second is chemical disinfection, which is like “Special Forces in the Field.” Chlorine-containing disinfectants are a common type that destroys the protein structure of bacteria and viruses and has a better effect on the ground, on walls, on furniture, etc. However, chlorine disinfectants have some irritation and are used in a manner that is diluted in accordance with the requirements of the instructions and avoid mixing with other cleaning agents in order to avoid the generation of toxic gases. Alcohol is also a common chemical disinfectant, which can degenerate the proteins of bacteria and viruses and is often used to disinfect skin, wounds, etc.
The third is biosterilisation, which is the favorite of environmental “small hands”. For example, biological enzymes are used to disrupt bacteria’ defences, which are relatively mild and environmentally friendly, although their current application in daily life is not particularly widespread.
When we learn about disinfection, we also need to choose the appropriate disinfection according to the different scenes and objects. In the family, the kitchen is a “hard-hit area” where bacteria breeds, and foods such as cuisine, plaque, etc. can be boiled or steam disinfected on a regular basis; on kitchen surfaces, water tanks, etc., can be disinfected with chlorine-containing disinfectants. The toilet is well ventilated, and toilets, hand-washing pools, etc. can be disinfected with chlorine-containing disinfectants or special toilet cleaners. In the case of clothing, bedding, etc., they can be sterilized by sunlight or by using UV-sterilizing lamps.
In public places, such as schools, offices, malls, etc., general disinfection is carried out on a regular basis. For public facilities, such as elevator buttons, helpers, doorknobs, etc., there is frequent use of alcohol or chlorine-containing disinfectants for disinfection. In special facilities such as hospitals, the requirements for disinfection are more stringent, requiring the use of specialized disinfection equipment and disinfectants to ensure environmental safety.
In addition, care must be taken to be safe in the use of disinfectants. It is important to wear gloves and masks in order to avoid direct exposure to disinfectants; it is necessary to place disinfectants where children are not exposed to them in order to avoid accidents; and it is necessary to keep an eye on ventilation, to allow air to flow and to reduce the residue of disinfectants.
In short, antibacterial sterilization is an important means of safeguarding our health. As long as we have the right means of disinfection and choose the right means of disinfection according to different circumstances, we can effectively eliminate bacteria and viruses and make our lives healthier and safer. Let’s act together and become masters of life!
