E coli and salmonella are both types of bacteria that can
flourish in some foods, such as undercooked hamburger meat or
unpasteurized fruit juice. They give off harmful toxins that can
kill human cells and cause illness. Unlike bacteria, viruses are
not cells; they consist of DNA molecules, containing the virus's
genes surrounded by a protein coat. A virus can attach itself to
cells and either inject molecules into the cell, or the cell may
absorb it. Once inside, the molecules cause the infected cell to
make new viruses that can spread to other cells. Chlorine
dioxide is an antimicrobial pesticide commonly used for water
purification, washing fruits and vegetables, disinfecting meat,
poultry and food processing equipment, and treating medical
waste, among other uses. It fights harmful bacteria by damaging
the cell membrane so that vital nutrients can't be distributed
throughout the cell. It combats potentially deadly viruses by
bursting them like a little nuclear bomb. Chlorine dioxide is a
yellow-green or o