Ionized plasma devices such as neon lights and plasma TVs can not only sterilize water but also enable it to kill bacteria for nearly a week after treatment, (Science daily 2011). Plasma is ionized gas (atoms have reduced number of electrons). In water, ionized plasma reacts with oxygen to form Ozone (ionized oxygen) which destroys most viruses and nearly all bacteria. Expensive sterilization methods such as bleach and antibiotics hinder the provision of quality healthcare in developing countries. Devices able to ionize plasma hold the solution to cheap sterilizing for the developing world.
Use of ionized plasma reduces chances of infections during medical procedures. According to Science Daily (2011), infections resulting from medical procedures in developing countries are three to five times more than in developed countries. Ionized plasma sterilizes medical instruments cheaply and enhances wound healing by reducing infections during operations. Hospitals can use low-pressure plasma to generate hydrogen peroxide in hospitals to sterilize surgical instruments. The use of ionized plasma would replace bleach and surgical antibiotics which are expensive.
Ionized plasmas can combat mutant pathogens. Plasma-treated water essentially kills all the Escherichia Coli bacteria shortly after treatment and 99.9% of bacteria a week later (Science Daily, 2011). Cleaning vegetables and meat using plasma-treated water can help combat mutant strains of E. coli which cause intestinal upsets, and even death. Plasma also kills dangerous proteins caused by standard sterilization processes such as prions which cause the mad cow disease. Moreover, plasma can be used as a surgical instrument to remove coagulates blood and tissues procedures which could ordinarily be dangerous and expensive.
In spite of these advantages, research has shown that consumption of excess ozonated water is not suitable for health. The water reacts with bromine to form bromate which is a cancer-causative agent. However, the advantages outweigh the shortcomings and therefore, ionized plasma remains a safe and cheap sterilizer for developing countries.
Reference
Science Daily (2011) Science News: Ionized plasmas as cheap sterilizers for developing world
Retrieved from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115180309.htm
