What is the recommended concentration of ethyl alcohol for use in sanitization?

The recommended concentration for effective sanitization using ethyl alcohol is typically around 60% to 70%. This concentration is considered optimal because it allows the alcohol to penetrate and destroy microorganisms effectively. At a concentration of 70%, there is enough water present to slow down the evaporation rate, which facilitates contact time with the surfaces or skin being sanitized.

Higher concentrations, such as 80% or 90%, may evaporate too quickly to effectively kill bacteria and viruses, reducing their ability to provide the necessary contact time for disinfection. While 100% ethyl alcohol might seem effective, it lacks the water needed for proper sanitization and may not have sufficient time to act on the pathogens as they may die off before the alcohol can properly function. Therefore, the ideal concentration for sanitation purposes is 70%, ensuring a balance between efficacy and evaporation rate.