Alcohol has also been shown to kill viruses such as herpes, hepatitis B, HIV, influenza, rhinoviruses and coronaviruses, among others. Alcohol consumption can cause immediate damage to the intestine, and greater damage is seen at higher concentrations. In theory, a high enough alcohol concentration with sufficient exposure to intestinal or oral tissue could kill bacteria, but in all likelihood it would also damage the lining of the intestine. In 1879, a new antiseptic emerged to help clean floors, eliminate odors, and treat diseases such as gonorrhea.
The creator of the product, Joseph Lister, called his product Listerine, which turns out to make a fine mouthwash thanks to the alcohol content of 21.5 percent. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol is linked to many conditions, including cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, cirrhosis and alcohol dependence. But to account for such proposals, legislators and the public must recognize that the United States has a problem with alcohol, which makes studies on alcohol tax even more important in exposing the issue. For rubbing hands with alcohol, a high alcohol concentration in the range of 60-80% is considered optimal for antimicrobial activity.
The latest study sheds light on another way alcohol is bad for public health and how a higher alcohol tax could help.
