The Dettol Advert says:
“Some bacteria are almost indestructible. They can even survive in lava. So think how easily the bacteria in your kitchen can survive.”
Bacteria that survives in lava?
Bollocks! I hear you cry.
And despite some confusion on the matter – you’d be right.
Now you might have heard that ‘Bacteria’ have been found close to molten lava and deep sea vents, where they utilize the heat.
The extremophile known as Archaebacteria are the oldest organisms living on the earth. They are unicellular prokaryocytes and belong to the kingdom, Archae. They were first discovered in 1977 and classified as bacteria. But, although they appear like bacteria when observed under the microscope, Archaebacteria are quite different from bacteria and eukaryotic organisms.
Archae survive in environments such as volcanic sea vents releasing sulphide-rich gases, hot springs
However, the temperature of lava is generally between 700°C-1,200°C
So bollocks and weasel words all round.
Two things to bear in mind:
Millions of years of evolution would suggest that Archaebacteria are unlikely to be living on your general kitchen surfaces.
All forms of archaebacteria are non-pathogenic.
