Basic Guide to Disinfectants
Most disinfectants are, by their very nature, potentially harmful (even toxic) to humans or animals. They should be treated with appropriate care.
The choice of the disinfectant to be used depends on the particular situation. Some disinfectants are broad spectrum (kill nearly all microorganisms), while others kill a smaller range of disease-causing organisms but are preferred for other properties (they may be non-corrosive, non-toxic, or inexpensive).
Broadly, there are four types of disinfectant:
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Qats)
Phenolics
Aldehydes
Oxidizers
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Qats)
These are effective against bacteria. Quats are biocides which also kill algae and are used as an additive in large-scale industrial water systems to minimize undesired biological growth. Quaternary ammonium compounds can also be effective disinfectants against enveloped viruses. Earlier Quats were regarded as low level disinfectants, relatively safe to use but not effective against tough bacteria like some species of Pseudomonas. However, 4th generation Quats like the DXT range, are proving to be much more broad spectrum and effective, whilst still retaining their “safer” credentials.
Phenolics
The US Environmental Protection Agency lists disinfectants that contain phenols as "corrosive and toxic." There are now links to damage to the liver, kidneys and eyes after chronic exposure, and Nonyl phenol ethoxylate, a common ingredient in US laundry detergents and all-purpose cleaners, is banned in Europe and biodegrades slowly into even more toxic compounds.
Aldehydes
Aldehydes, such as Glutaraldehyde, have a wide biocidal activity and are sporocidal and fungicidal. They are partly inactivated by organic matter. However, some bacteria have developed resistance to Glutaraldehyde, and it has been found that Glutaraldehyde can cause asthma and other health hazards. This has lead to many aldehydes being considered for banning under the current ongoing European Biocide legislation.
Oxidizers
Bleach, Hydrogen Peroxide, Peracetic Acid, Iodine and compounds of chlorine and oxygen all fall into this group. Whilst undoubtedly effective against all sorts of bugs, they tend to be highly corrosive and produce many by-products harmful to the environment.
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Disinfectant Type Comparisons |
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Active ingredient |
Effective against: |
Toxicology |
Corrosion |
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Viruses |
Bacteria |
Myco-bacteria |
Fungi |
Non-Cytotoxic |
Non-Mutagenic |
Non-Carciogenic |
No corrosion on surfaces |
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Enveloped |
Non enveloped |
Gram-positive |
Gram-negative |
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4th generation Quat (in EnviroCair) |
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Peracetic acid |
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Phenols |
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Formaldehyde |
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Glutaraldehyde |
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Alcohol 70% |
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Hydrogen peroxide |
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DCIC (sodium-dichloroisocyanurate) |
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Sodium hypochloride |
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Quats “old generation” |
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The information provided above is based upon current data available in the Public Domain. Biotech.Philippines makes no warranty as to the accuracy of this data, nor does it seek to impart advice based upon the above information. E & OE Registered in Philippines. Registered Office AFP-RSBS Industrial Park, Km 12, East Service Road cor C5, Taguig City 1630, Philippines
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