An explanation from chemistry: why are water and soap, sodium hypochlorite, and alcohol effective to prevent contracting COVID-19?

Authors

  • Isneri Talavera Bustamante Academia de Ciencias de Cuba
  • Arturo Menéndez Cabezas

Keywords:

SARS-CoV-2, soap, alcohol-based disinfectants, sodium hypochlorite

Abstract

This paper includes some aspects related to the characteristics of viruses in general. In particular, it addresses the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 virus and the mechanism by which it enters the cell, subsequently creating millions of copies and beginning the creation of viral proteins. The main objective of the paper is to explain how to prevent contamination with the SARS-CoV-2 virus complementing traditional prevention methods with the use of chemical products as an effective option. A chemical explanation is given in order to show the reason for the disintegration of this virus with hand washing using soap and water, the use of disinfectants, as well as the use of sodium hypochlorite, among others. It also includes a set of recommendations and warnings to take into account for the use of these chemicals.

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Published

2020-04-16

How to Cite

Talavera Bustamante, I., & Menéndez Cabezas, A. (2020). An explanation from chemistry: why are water and soap, sodium hypochlorite, and alcohol effective to prevent contracting COVID-19?. Anales De La Academia De Ciencias De Cuba, 10(2), e781. Retrieved from https://revistaccuba.sld.cu/index.php/revacc/article/view/781

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2020): mayo-agosto (especial COVID-19)

Section

Natural and Exact Sciences

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