What is classified as a disinfectant?
A disinfectant is a chemical substance or compound used to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces. … Disinfectants are generally distinguished from other antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics, which destroy microorganisms within the body, and antiseptics, which destroy microorganisms on living tissue.
What is considered disinfectant?
According to Webster, disinfect is to cleanse so as to destroy or prevent the growth of disease carrying microorganisms. Therefore a disinfectant is an agent, such as heat, irradiation or chemical that disinfects by destroying, neutralizing or inhibiting the growth of disease-carrying microorganisms.
What are the 2 types of disinfectants?
Disinfectants can be split into two broad groups, oxidizing and nonoxidizing. Oxidizing disinfectants include the halogens, chlorine, iodine, bromine, and chlorine dioxide, and oxygen-releasing materials such as peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide.
Is bleach a sanitizer or disinfectant?
About bleach Household bleach (chlorine as sodium hypochlorite) is active against most microorganisms, including bacterial spores and can be used as a disinfectant or sanitizer, depending on its concentration.
What are some examples of disinfectants?
Chemical Disinfectants
- Alcohol.
- Chlorine and chlorine compounds.
- Formaldehyde.
- Glutaraldehyde.
- Hydrogen peroxide.
- Iodophors.
- Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA)
- Peracetic acid.
What are the 3 types of disinfection?
Disinfection
- Chemical Disinfectants. Alcohol. Chlorine and chlorine compounds. Formaldehyde. Glutaraldehyde. Hydrogen peroxide. …
- Miscellaneous Inactivating Agents. Other germicides. Metals as microbicides. Ultraviolet radiation. Pasteurization. Flushing- and washer-disinfectors.
- Regulatory Framework for Disinfectants and Sterilants.
Is bleach a disinfectant?
Bleach is a water-based solution commonly used as a disinfectant. It can be purchased with a concentration ranging from 5.25 to 8.25% of the active sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) ingredient. Sodium hypochlorite denatures proteins in microorganisms and is effective in killing bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Can laundry bleach be used as a disinfectant?
Chlorine bleach can be used to disinfect and sanitize laundry and well as kitchen, bathroom and other surfaces around the home. Disinfectants and disinfectant cleaners are the only products that kill germs—but they only work if the label directions are followed.