CHEMICAL METHODS OF DISINFECTION
CHEMICAL METHODS OF DISINFECTION
Disinfectants are those chemicals that destroy pathogenic bacteria from inanimate surfaces. Different disinfectants have different target ranges. Some chemical have very narrow spectrum of activity and some have very wide. Those chemicals that can be safely applied over skin and mucus membranes are called antiseptics. Bacteriostatic chemicals are those inhibit multiplication of bacteria without killing them. Bactericidal is that chemical that can kill or inactivate bacteria. Mode of action of various Chemical Disinfectants include. Protein coagulation, disruption of cell membrane, enzyme damage etc.
Different chemicals used as disinfectants
ALCOHOLS: E.g.: Ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and methyl alcohol.70% ethyl alcohol (spirit) is used as antiseptic on skin.
ALDEHYDES E.g.: Formaldehyde, and Glutaraldehyde 40% Formaldehyde (formalin) is used for surface disinfection and fumigation operation theatres, biological safety cabinets, wards, etc.
PHENOL . Examples: 5% phenol, Cresol, Lysol, chlorhexidine, Dettol
HALOGENS:. Examples: Chlorine compounds (chlorine, bleach, hypochlorite) and iodine compounds Tincture of iodine (2% iodine in 70% alcohol)chlorine is used for disinfecting water supplies
HEAVY METALS :Eg. Mercuric chloride, silver nitrate, copper sulfate
SURFACE ACTIVE AGENTS : Examples: These are soaps or detergents.
DYES: Eg: Aniline dyes such as crystal violet, malachite green and brilliant green
ETHYLENE OXIDE (EO): It is an alkylating agent capable of killing spores rapidly.
BETA-PROPIOLACTONE (BPL): It is an effective sporicidal alkylating agent and is a carcinogen.

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