One could argue that we as a society are more cautious about germs than ever before. We wear masks, carry hand sanitizer and wash our hands frequently as an attempt to stave off the virus wreaking havoc on our world. Despite our precautions germs are so small and sneaky that they creep into our bodies without being noticed. Humans have come a long way in terms of how we treat germs. It seems impossible that people once believed that foul odors could create disease or that evil spirits could cause a person to become dangerously ill. We have also forgotten how rare it was for parents to see their children survive to adulthood. Progress in modern science has paved the way for the medical advancements we see today. Let’s take a brief glimpse into the history of modern “germ theory” and how we arrived at where we are today. 

So what is “germ theory”? Developed in the late 19th century by microbiologist Louis Pasteur, English surgeon Joseph Lister, and German physician Robert Koch, germ theory is described as a medical theory stating that certain diseases are caused by the invasion of the body by microorganisms, organisms too small to be seen except through a microscope. Prior to this finding no one knew the cause of infections or how they were spread, although there were many theories. Though these three scientists never directly worked together they were all on the same page about the source of infection. With the discovery of germs lead to development of safe surgical practices. 

Joseph Lister was the first man to develop an antiseptic technique after the discovery of germs. Antisepsis is the destruction or inhibition of microorganisms on living tissues, thereby limiting or preventing the harmful results of infection. Not everyone trusted Lister’s method at first and disregarded his work as a scam. However, as the number of surgery related infections fell, the evidence that antisepsis success became irrefutable and it was widely accepted by surgeons around the world. Wider acceptance of germ theory resulted in the emergence of the science of bacteriology, and new research revealed that antiseptics were not the only way to control infection.

The discipline of bacteriology evolved from the need of physicians to test and apply the germ theory of disease. Bacteriology is a branch of microbiology that deals with the study of bacteria.Thorough study has allowed researchers in the field to not only get a better understanding of bacteria and their characteristics,but also how to prevent and manage diseases caused by these organisms. Robert Koch, as previously mentioned, played a large role in the growth of bacteriology. His discoveries ushered in a ‘golden age’ of scientific discovery and a new era of public health. Koch developed techniques that allowed him to observe changes in bacteria over time, and he was the first person able to link specific bacteria to a disease. 

The discovery of germ theory inspired an entire generation of scientists. Though modern society in high, medium and low income countries still faces the ancient scourges of communicable diseases, but also the modern pandemics, In order to face the challenges ahead, it is important to have an understanding of the past. Although there is much in this age that is new, many of the current debates and arguments in public health are echoes of the past. We are better able to grasp the concept of germs and fight them off at home thanks to human evolution and the heroes of the past. 

There are plenty of products on the market that claim to disinfect, sanitize and clean surfaces. However, what does disinfection actually do and how is it different from sanitizing? Today we will talk about the difference between sanitizing and disinfection and how these simple cleaning tasks impact your home. 

Disinfection is defined as the thermal or chemical destruction of pathogenic and other types of microorganisms. Chemicals used in the disinfection process are called disinfectants. These products have different disinfectant properties and are not always successful at eliminating all microorganisms. Disinfectants are usually used after a cleaning product in order to add another layer of safety to the home. Although disinfectants and sanitizing agents aim to accomplish the same goals, the truth is they are different from one another.

While anyone can maintain a “clean” space, not everyone has the ability to maintain a sanitary space. Sanitization is defined as the ability to reduce or eliminate bacteria on the surface to make it sanitary. Whether or not something is sanitary is defined by public health standards. The EPA or Environmental Protection Agency actively regulates sanitizers and disinfectants to make sure they meet the pre-defined criteria. When you sanitize, you are reducing the number of bacteria present by 99.9 percent, but doing nothing about viruses and fungus. Sanitizing is better than cleaning alone as it drastically reduces pathogens on different surfaces and materials. Inadequate sanitation is a major cause of global diseases including cholder, typhoid and dysentery. With this information in mind, it’s easy to see how sanitation goes far beyond cleanliness, impacting global health and economic development issues. 

With thousands of products available, it’s hard to know if you’re making the right decisions when it comes to cleaning agents that protect against the spread of COVID-19. This also means that you should proceed with caution when it comes to products that claim to treat surfaces for days. These products work by leaving a disinfectant on hard, nonporous surfaces for hours; when the disinfectant goes inactive, a film is left behind. You have to factor in the time it takes to kill germs. When evaluating both sanitizers and disinfectants, this should be listed on a product’s label. Some chemical formulas kill respective germs in 5 minutes and others in just one minute or less.  

Keeping your family and friends safe from Covid-19 is one of your top priorities. Remember, disinfecting is a repetitive process. You might need to disinfect your home multiple times a day depending on transmission rates.The same goes for sanitization. More is always better than less.  When in doubt, just remember that a clean surface isn’t always sanitized, but a sanitized surface is always clean. Don’t just clean your home, PurLite it. 

With the introduction of face masks into daily life, comes a series of questions for consumers; When am I required to wear a facemask? How does it stop the spread of Covid-19? What type of fabric is most effective against germs? How should it fit? How should I wash my mask? These are all important to consider when purchasing a face mask and wearing it. Today I will do my best to answer some of the questions listed above and try and discern what face masks are the best.

Why Wear a Face Mask?

Covid-19 spreads from person to person through droplets from the respiratory system. It’s important to keep in mind that a face mask may not protect the wearer, but it may keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others. Many cities across the U.S still have order in place keeping people quarantined at home. Others have opened up greeting the need for masks to be worn. Check out the ordinances from your local government about specific face mask requirements in public. 

Wear and Tear

Everyone needs instructions sometimes. Wearing a face mask isn’t rocket science, but it is just as important. Always wash your hands before putting on your face covering. Fit the mask snugly around your nose and mouth to avoid germs spreading. Not just you mouth people, this is a big one. Germs can spread from your nose too! Never ever touch your mask in public, there’s no telling what could be on your hands. Most importantly don’t forget to stay six feet away from others. 

Good, Better, Best 

After the first wave of Coronavirus in the U.S, hospitals across the nation faced a serious lack of N95 respirators and other medical grade face masks.This problem created a new market that has swept across the country. Face masks are everywhere. From surgical grade masks, cloth covers, bandanas and more, the American economy has jumped on the opportunity to sell to its citizens. With hospitals claiming the higher grade masks for medical work, people began to get crafty. Creating all types of coverings using different fabrics. Some worked good, others better, but only one could be the best. Let’s break down the results. 

Let’s start with the basics. Everyone has seen those single use, standard PPE surgical masks. Originally invented to be used by healthcare professionals, these masks are effective in reducing the risk of infection. Surgical masks are made of non-woven materials of different thicknesses and with the bility to protect you from contact with liquids. While a surgical mask may be effective in blocking splashes and large-particle droplets, by design, it does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs or sneezes. These masks are single use and are effective for a limited time before they become too contaminated. 

N95 Respirator ‘s are made for healthcare workers and only healthcare workers.The mask is a tight fitting face covering that protects from the smallest of particles. These masks are the best of the best. Protecting the wearing from 95% of particles in the air, these masks are reserved from primary health care workers who are directly fighting the covid-19 pandemics. However, there are still really good masks out there. 

Bandanas are not one of them. Gaiters and Bandanas are the least effective form of face covering on the market. Loosely covering and bandana style face masks are the least effective at protecting yourself and others. Avoid these if you can. 

100% cotton masks give you the best of both worlds. They are reusable which is more eco-friendly than the alternative single use option. Cotton masks are also breathable but do tend to trap sweat and moisture. Cotton is also blended with an assortment of other materials to make it incredibly effective against the spread of partilces to and fro. 

Polyester masks are great, they stretch, molding to your face. They can also be customized to add personality, but are not always easy to breathe in. 

Modal masks are the most breathable and reduce sweat but get dirty easy and can occasionally rip. 

Whatever mask you may choose, remember, you are not only protecting yourself but those around you.