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Disinfectants are substances that are used to disinfect surfaces. Disinfectants are chemical substances used to prevent the growth of disease-causing bacteria that are dangerous to humans. Disinfectants can be used on non-living surfaces and objects. Disinfectants are used in hospitals, schools, homes, and public areas to destroy hazardous bacteria such as the influenza virus, coronavirus, salmonella, E. coli, and other pathogens that can spread via the environment.
Disinfectants
When we clean our surroundings regularly, we prevent the spread of infectious diseases, like COVID-19, influenza, and the common cold. Each disinfectant contains an active component that kills hazardous microorganisms by damaging or disrupting their cell walls as part of its recipe. Bleach, for example, is a disinfectant that is commonly used to destroy E. coli bacteria. Bleach has been used to clean hospitals and houses for more than a century.
Examples of Disinfectants
Disinfectants are available in various forms for the upkeep of industrial and commercial facilities. It is likely that a single disinfectant will not be effective against all microbes. The majority of disinfectants, for example, do not destroy microbiological spores.
The following are some examples of chemical disinfectants:
- Alcohols: When diluted in water, alcohol can destroy practically all forms of bacteria. When disinfecting damp surfaces, it is necessary to use a high quantity of alcohol. The drawback of using alcohol is that it is highly flammable. Ethanol and isopropanol are two types of alcohol used regularly.
- Aldehydes: A high concentration of aldehydes (measured in parts per million) is highly efficient against the germs that cause tuberculosis (tuberculosis). Aldehydes such as formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde are used to disinfect heat-resistant medical equipment.
- Halogens: Disinfectants containing halogens such as iodine and chlorine are routinely employed. These can combat a broad spectrum of germs and viruses. A form of chlorine chemical, household bleach (uses Sodium hypochlorite), is used in cleaning homes. When used in excessive quantities, it can be potentially hazardous. Tincture and Povidone-iodine are two iodine compounds used to treat the skin.
- Phenolic compounds: Phenolic based chemicals such as cresol, Lysol, xylenol, and similar products have been used in hospitals as cleaning and sterilising agents for over 40 years. Phenolic compounds are derived from phenol. They are effective against various bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, fungi, and viruses. They are, nevertheless, extremely poisonous and caustic. It targets the surface of the objects and the microorganisms that live on them.
What is the mechanism through which a disinfectant destroys microorganisms?
A disinfectant is an antimicrobial agent. However, it does not have the same effectiveness as sterilisation. Sterilisation can kill all sorts of living organisms, whereas a disinfectant is only capable of killing specific types of microorganisms. Floors and drainage are the most common areas it is used. Most commonly used cleaning chemicals in homes and businesses are nothing more than disinfectants in disguise.
Uses of disinfectants
- These are used to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces .
- They are used on floors, instruments, etc.
- They even destroy microorganisms present on the skin .
- They are used in hospitals, , kitchens etc., to disinfect them.
- Few disinfectants work as antiseptic as well as disinfectant only by changing their concentration.For example,1 % solution of phenol and Chlorine bleach.
Difference between Disinfectants and Antiseptics
Disinfectants | Antiseptics |
Disinfectants are used on non-living surfaces, such as doorknobs, kitchen and bathroom tiling, floors, and similar items to kill bacteria. | Antiseptics are used on living tissues such as the skin, cuts, and wounds. |
When applied to non-living surfaces and objects, disinfectants work by inhibiting and preventing the development of microbes. | Antiseptics are substances that kill and eliminate microorganisms on living tissues. |
Disinfectants are chemicals used to disinfect areas where germs can spread. | Antiseptics help lower the risk of illness by destroying the microorganisms that cause infection. |
When disinfectants are employed on live tissues, they are harmful to the user’s health. | Antiseptics do not have any adverse effects on the health of the user. |
We can employ the same chemical as disinfectants and antiseptics by altering their concentration. For example, if the phenol concentration is 0.2 per cent, it can be utilised as an antiseptic in certain situations. | A concentration of one per cent of phenol can be employed as a disinfectant in various applications. When comparing disinfectants with antiseptics, it is common to find that the former has greater concentrations. Disinfectants, such as Lysol, are one example. Antiseptics are found at low amounts in the environment. A good example is Dettol, which is an antiseptic. |
Conclusion:
Disinfectants are commonly used to destroy dangerous germs and control illnesses. Both of them can destroy a broad range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses using substances known as biocides. A disinfectant is a chemical component that kills microbes on non-living surfaces and objects. Bleach, for example, is a disinfectant that is commonly used to destroy E. coli bacteria. Antiseptics are substances used to kill bacteria present in the living tissue of our skin.
Disinfectants and antiseptics are both used for the same goal, although there are some variations between the two types of chemicals. As opposed to antiseptics, disinfectants often contain greater concentrations. For example, Dettol is an antiseptic, whereas Lysol is a disinfectant. Flooring and tiles in hospitals and homes can be cleaned with disinfectants. They are also employed for sterilising medical equipment. Antiseptic medications are used to treat wounds, scars, and ulcers of the stomach’s skin, mouth, and mucus membrane.
