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We're 99.9% certain that there is no specific bacterium that manufacturers have in mind when they make this claim. Most likely, this figure is highlighted because it is the exact percentage required in order for a product to qualify as a "sanitizer." The EPA designates products as sanitizers when they can demonstrably reduce certain microorganisms (odor-producing and otherwise) by at least 99.9% more than a control substance, within five minutes. The EPA calls this a "3-log reduction." If the product is meant to sanitize
surfaces that will have contact with food, the standard increases to a 99.999% reduction within 30 seconds (a 5-log reduction). Those hopeful of turning obsessive-compulsive behavior into success on Jeopardy take note: A sanitizer is different from a "disinfectant" in that a disinfectant must "completely eliminate all the organisms" listed on its label. But what about those instant antimicrobial hand sanitizers? They also claim to kill 99.9%. Do they really? Some research says sanitizers actually aren't as effective in killing bacteria as soap and water. That's because, according to one professor at Purdue, they're tested on inanimate objects, not human
skin. As for that fancy antimicrobial soap, it's no more effective than regular soap and water, just more expensive. Of course, one might ask, is 99.9% good enough when it comes to germs? Don't go there, we say. You start obsessing over this stuff, no telling what can happen.
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