What is the destructive effect of alcohol (60% volume) on the coronavirus?

Doctor's Answers 1

Hi,

Alcohol destroys the coronavirus by attacking the envelope structure of the virus through a process called denaturation.

Denaturation occurs when the alcohol molecules bond with the fat membrane that encases a virus or bacteria cell. When this happens, the fat membrane is broken down and the inside of the cell with all of its critical components becomes exposed, and as a result, it starts to dissolve, and the cell quickly dies.

The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an alcohol concentration of between 60 and 90 percent for disinfection purposes.

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