What is LOG Reduction and why is each 9 important?

To begin with, each 9 represents what is known as a log reduction value (LRV).

"Log reduction" is a mathematical term (as is "log increase") used to show the relative number of live microbes eliminated from a surface by disinfecting or cleaning. "Log" stands for logarithm, which is the exponent of 10. For example, log2 represents 102 or 10 x 10 or 100. Log reduction stands for a 10-fold or one decimal or 90% reduction in numbers of recoverable bacteria in a test food vehicle. Another way to look at it is: 1 log reduction would reduce the number of bacteria 90%. This means, for example, that 100 bacteria would be reduced to 10 or 10 reduced to 1.

99.9% (three 9’s) would be a 3 log reduction, 99.999% (five 9’s) would be a 5 log reduction.

For example, a "5-log reduction" means lowering the number of microorganisms by 100,000-fold, that is, if a surface has 100,000 pathogenic microbes on it, a 5-log reduction would reduce the number of microorganisms to one.

Log Reductions

* 1 log reduction means the number of germs is 10 times smaller

* 2 log reduction means the number of germs is 100 times smaller

* 3 log reduction means the number of germs is 1000 times smaller

* 4 log reduction means the number of germs is 10,000 times smaller

* 5 log reduction means the number of germs is 100,000 times smaller

* 6 log reduction means the number of germs is 1,000,000 times smaller

* 7 log reduction means the number of germs is 10,000,000 times smaller

Our most recent tests, performed at two independent laboratories, have shown the following results for the Miracle Straw™:

Bacteria removal - 99.9999% That equals a value of 6 log

Viruses removal - 99.99% That equals a value of 4 log

Cysts removal - 99.99% That equals a value of 4 log*

* This rating is greater than current EPA standards.