Bunsen burners’ reputation for sterilizing workplaces flames out

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Bunsen burners are no longer regarded as effective for sterilizing workplaces due to their inability to reliably eliminate pathogens. Scientific studies indicate that the flames do not achieve sufficient heat or duration to destroy microorganisms. This has led to a reevaluation of their use in laboratory and industrial settings where sterility is required.

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Microbiology SpectrumNatureProvidence CollegeUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

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N Nature News en 2026-09-04 08:00

Bunsen burners' reputation for sterilizing workplaces is fading. A study published in August in *Microbiology Spectrum* found that the device does not effectively remove bacteria-laden particles from lab benches. By seeding the air above lab surfaces with the bacteria *Gordonia rubripertincta* and comparing it to an inactive burner, the researchers found th…