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Action of Disinfectants

Disinfectants, also known as antimicrobial pesticides, aid in the removal of pathogens from environmental surfaces in the home, hospitals, dental offices, health-care facilities and commercial establishments. Pathogens are disease-causing agents that include microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria.

  1. Common Disinfectants

    • According to TypesofBacteria.co.uk, commonly used disinfectants include alcohol, chlorine bleaches, hydrogen peroxide and iodine. Each product offers a different level of effectiveness. For example, alcohol kills bacteria and fungi and works well in hand sanitizers but is ineffective against bacterial spores, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The disinfectant properties in chlorine bleach kill the Hepatitis B Virus and HIV-1. Bleach is also effective for decontaminating blood-borne pathogens.

    Public Health and Safety

    • The EPA requires registration and testing for the safety and effectiveness of disinfectants with claims touting their ability to prevent or control pathogens associated with human diseases. Their Pesticide Registration Manual lists three basic categories of antimicrobial pesticide products for public health use: sanitizers, disinfectants and sterilants. The degree of disinfection varies by type. Sanitizers reduce the number of microorganisms but do not completely eliminate them. Disinfectants kill or inactivate microorganisms but have no effect against some bacterial spores. Sterilants destroy all microorganisms on environmental surfaces.

    Broad-Spectrum Disinfectants

    • Broad-spectrum disinfectants provide protection against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica making them useful for homes, businesses and institutions, according to the EPA. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asserts that "any germicide with a tuberculocidal claim on the label is considered capable of inactivating a broad spectrum of pathogens," including HBV, HCV and HIV.

    Hospital Disinfectants

    • Hospital disinfectants are classified as broad-spectrum but include protection against additional pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the bacteria associated with hospital infections. Disinfectants must pass EPA testing to prove their effectiveness against Pseudomonas in order to earn hospital-grade classification.

    Limited Disinfectants

    • Disinfectants classified by the EPA as limited provide protection against one specific group of pathogens. These products kill either gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or gram-negative bacteria like E coli and Salmonella enterica, but no disinfectant is effective against both groups of microorganisms.

    Labelling

    • Disinfectant product labels provide the consumer with information on the safe handling and proper use of the products. According to the EPA, before using a registered product, the consumer must read the label to verify its intended use. EPA regulations state, "It is a violation of Federal Law to use an EPA registered product in a manner inconsistent with its label and labeling."

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