Disinfectants: types, features, use

Disinfectants are physical means of protection or chemical antimicrobial substances for fighting microorganisms, disinfecting objects, rooms and areas of the human body. Disinfectants are used to reduce the number of germs that cause epidemic and infectious diseases to a non-hazardous level or to eliminate them completely.

Modern broad-spectrum disinfectants are both safe for human life and highly bactericidal. They can be used almost every day - they are low-toxic.

Features

Modern disinfectants are free of the disadvantages of their predecessors and have advantages:

• They have a long shelf life, are economical and can be used repeatedly.
• Disinfectants are practically nontoxic or low-toxic to humans and animals.
• They have a wide spectrum of action. Disinfectants are active against many different kinds of harmful microbes.
• Disinfectants are easy to store and use.
• They are neither flammable nor explosive.
• The disinfectants do not damage materials and surfaces.
• They have additional detergent and deodorizing properties.

Types of disinfectants

Disinfectants are available in the form of agents already ready to use, or in the form of concentrates, which must be prepared before use. They can be purchased in these forms:

• Wipes preimpregnated with the disinfectant solution in sealed packages.
• Soaps, gels, foams and mousses.
• Ready-to-use liquids in convenient vials.
• Concentrated liquids, powders, tablets or granules.

Each form of disinfectant has its own characteristics, pros and cons. When choosing, you should be guided by personal preferences and the required degree of activity of the means.

Hazard classes of disinfectants

All disinfectants differ in the degree of toxicity.

The safest preparations are used for use in the home. They bear a label stating that they are safe for health or other designation in accordance with the standards in the country. Such disinfectants do not cause allergic reactions or irritations. They are used without risk of harm to the health of adults and children.

Moderately hazardous substances are used in areas where people are wearing skin and respiratory protection. These include most chlorine-containing products in various forms. 

To avoid chemical poisoning, physical methods of disinfection are used when possible:

• steam exposure from a steam generator;
• boiling;
• Exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays;
• ironing with a hot iron;
• Baking, heating.

However, these methods are not as popular as more readily available chemical disinfectants. In addition, objects and materials do not always withstand such high temperatures.

Application of disinfectants

Chloroactive and oxygen-active substances, aldehydes, tertiary amines and alcohols are used as active substances. It is important to use all preparations in accordance with the enclosed instructions for use.

Chlorinated and oxygen-containing preparations, as well as acid-based and antibacterial agents, are used for household purposes. Toys are disinfected with soap and soda solutions, boiling and quartz disinfection.

For personal protection choose antiseptic gels, sprays, creams and mousses. Antimicrobial wipes and soaps are used to clean the skin. Alcohol-containing products are used as express tools. They are not used daily, as they dry the skin. Timely treatment with modern disinfectants helps to prevent the spread of germs and viruses, and thus reduce the growth of infections and epidemics.