The most prevalent chlorine products in the United States are aqueous solutions of 5.25%–6.15% sodium hypochlorite (see glossary), usually called household bleach.
Disinfectants and antiseptics are many active chemical compounds called biocides, which can fight microorganisms on nonliving surfaces and human skin. [1] These biocides, such as alcohol, iodine, and chlorine, have been used for years.
Currently, there are five main EPA-registered chemicals that hospitals use for disinfectants: Quaternary Ammonium, Hypochlorite, Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide, Phenolics, and Peracetic Acid.
Halogens Chlorine and iodine have been used as terminal disinfectants for many years. More recently, bromine and chlorine dioxide have been introduced.
Chlorine Compounds
Kills an array of organisms including resistant viruses, and is highly recommended for cleaning bodily fluids. Chlorine-based disinfectants are inexpensive and have relatively quick kill times, however they can be corrosive and cause discoloration as well as irritation if not used as directed.
How does Dettol Liquid work? The active ingredient - Chloroxylenol - has been widely used for many years as an ingredient of antiseptic/disinfectant products. It kills bacteria and protects against the germs which can cause infection and illness.
Bleach is a strong and effective disinfectant – its active ingredient sodium hypochlorite is effective in killing bacteria, fungi and viruses, including influenza virus – but it is easily inactivated by organic material.
Chlorhexidine is probably the most widely used biocide in antiseptic products, in particular in handwashing and oral products but also as a disinfectant and preservative.
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.
General disinfectant:
EPA-registered disinfectant labeled for use against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Efficacy is demonstrated against both Salmonella choleraesuis and Staphylococcus aureus. Also called broad-spectrum disinfectant.
Benefits of Betadine Antiseptic Solution:
Promptly kills germs that can cause infection in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns. Gentle on minor wounds and surrounding skin. Betadine No-Sting Promise.
The most commonly recommended disinfectant for lab surfaces is a 10-percent solution of sodium hypochlorite (or bleach), which is considered an intermediate-strength chemical germicide.
Chlorine-containing solutions have universal disinfectant activity. With proper concentration and sufficient contact times, hypochlorite solutions can be considered chemical sterilants since they will inactivate bacterial spores.
There are a wide variety of chemical disinfectants approved for use in the hospital setting. The most commonly used surface disinfectants are quaternary ammonium compounds and sodium hypochlorite.
The results of the experiment were that bleach worked the most effectively to kill bacteria.
Peracetic Acid
Peracetic acid-based solutions are sporicidal, fungicidal, bactericidal and virucidal. They are generally more potent disinfectants than hydrogen peroxide. Peracetic acid-based solutions are used to disinfect medical devices, hemodialyzers and endoscopes.
Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores; it is less effective than sterilization, which is an extreme physical or chemical process that kills all types of life.
Using alcohol as a prolonged disinfectant can cause hardening and cracking of skin, rubber, and some plastics. If used to sanitize personal items, it can also cause discoloration after repeated uses. Bleach is a strong and effective disinfectant as well as a great alternative if you can't get your hands on alcohol.
The original Dettol liquid antiseptic and disinfectant is light yellow in colour in the concentrated form but, as several of the ingredients are insoluble in water, it produces a milky emulsion of oil droplets when diluted with water, exhibiting the ouzo effect.
Do not use soap between the labia, i.e. near the vaginal opening; simply rinse this area with clean water. If you prefer to have a bath, avoid adding any soap products to the water if you are prone to vaginal infections and never use any antibacterial products (e.g. Dettol).
First used in hospitals in the 1930s, Dettol soon found a place in the home. Today, we are a world leading hygiene brand trusted by millions.
Two types of alcohol are used as disinfectants in the salon. They are ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. To be effective, the concentration of ethyl and isopropyl alcohol must be 70 percent or higher.