The Science of Hand Washing
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A recent article in the journal Physics of Fluids addresses the fluid mechanics of hand washing.
Researchers estimated the time scales on which particles, like viruses and bacteria, were removed from hands.
While you can look up the article on your own, here is the basic gist...
Particles are trapped on the rough surfaces of the hands. In order for these particles to escape, the water flow must be high enough to remove them.
The strength of the flowing liquid depends on the speed of the moving hands. A stronger flow removes particles more easily.
Even when particles are removed, that process is not fast. It takes about 20 seconds of vigorous movement to dislodge potential viruses and bacteria.
The takeaway? Proper hand washing gets them clean...
A recent article in the journal Physics of Fluids addresses the fluid mechanics of hand washing.
Researchers estimated the time scales on which particles, like viruses and bacteria, were removed from hands.
While you can look up the article on your own, here is the basic gist...
Particles are trapped on the rough surfaces of the hands. In order for these particles to escape, the water flow must be high enough to remove them.
The strength of the flowing liquid depends on the speed of the moving hands. A stronger flow removes particles more easily.
Even when particles are removed, that process is not fast. It takes about 20 seconds of vigorous movement to dislodge potential viruses and bacteria.
The takeaway? Proper hand washing gets them clean...
