The Secret Weapon Against Viruses: The Soap in Your Kitchen Sink

Have you ever thought about the power of the humble bar of soap sitting in your kitchen sink? While it may not look like much, it actually plays a crucial role in protecting us from harmful viruses and bacteria, including the deadly Ebola virus.

So, what component of domestic soap actually kills viruses? The answer is a chemical called "lye," also known as sodium hydroxide. When combined with fats and oils, lye creates a chemical reaction called saponification, which produces soap.

But the key to soap's virus-fighting abilities lies in its chemical structure. Soap molecules have two ends: one end is hydrophobic (water-fearing) and the other end is hydrophilic (water-loving). This unique structure allows soap to effectively dissolve and wash away viruses and bacteria.

When we use soap to wash our hands, the hydrophobic end of the soap molecule attaches to the virus or bacteria, while the hydrophilic end dissolves in water. This causes the virus or bacteria to be pulled away from our skin and washed down the drain.

This simple yet effective mechanism is why the World Health Organization recommends hand washing with soap as a crucial measure to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus. In fact, one study found that proper hand washing with soap reduced the transmission of the Ebola virus by nearly 50% in a trial conducted in Sierra Leone.

But it's important to note that not all soaps are created equal. In order to be effective against viruses, soap must be properly formulated with the right amount of lye. Cheap, low-quality soaps may not contain enough lye to effectively kill viruses, so it's important to choose a trusted brand.

So the next time you reach for that bar of soap in your kitchen sink, remember the crucial role it plays in protecting you and your loved ones from harmful viruses like Ebola. For more information on the Ebola virus and how to prevent its spread, visit ebola-cases.com and blog.ebola-cases.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter at @ebola_cases for the latest updates and information.