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The minimum percentage of ethyl alcohol required for effective disinfection is 70%. This concentration is significant because studies have shown that ethyl alcohol at 70% concentration is more effective at denaturing proteins and destroying microbial cells than higher concentrations. Ethanol works effectively with water at this level, as the water helps to slow the evaporation rate of the alcohol, allowing more time for the solution to penetrate and kill microorganisms. Solutions with lower than 70% concentration may not adequately disinfect surfaces or instruments, while higher concentrations can evaporate too quickly and may not maintain sufficient contact time with microbes to achieve effective disinfection. Thus, 70% ethyl alcohol is recognized as an optimal solution for effective disinfection in many health and beauty settings.