Classification of Chemical Disinfectants

The deployment of chemical disinfectants is primarily used in medical facilities around the world. Chemical disinfectants are used alone or in combination in healthcare settings. The types of chemical disinfectants used according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention are as follows: alcohol, chlorine and chlorine compounds, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, ortho-phthalaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, iodophors, peracetic acid, phenolics, and quaternary ammonium compounds. Commercially available formulations of these compounds must be registered by the Environmental Protection Agency or cleared for consumer use by the Federal Drug and Food Administration. In most cases, a product is designed for a specific purpose and must be used as such. Failure to do so can result in bodily harm. Therefore,  it is strongly advised before using a product to read the manufacturers’ instructions regarding the proper use.

There is still a lot of confusion among the public about what the difference is between disinfecting and cleaning. Cleaning is the physical removal of dirt and grime from the surface of an object. To remove dirt, you simply have to use water and a detergent such as soap to physically remove the dirt and grime from the surface area of the object you are treating. With our disinfection and sanitization service available across the Greater Toronto Area, you can rest assured that we cover every corner, nook, and cranny of your home as we fight the spread collectively.

Disinfecting is about the elimination of all microbial life to an extent on a surface such as pathogens with the help of liquid chemicals or wet pasteurization. Sterilization on the other hand is used in medical facilities to avoid the transmission of pathogens from medical instruments to the patient. An object or substance is rendered sterile or non-sterile and is referred to as the complete elimination of all microbial life on a surface including its bacterial spores which can be described as a survival mechanism for bacteria to thrive in very extreme environments where a bacteria cannot. 

 The use of disinfectants is not interchangeable which can result in excessive expenditure. Because of improper handling, several work-related diseases have been associated with cleaning personnel e.g., using certain chemical compounds such as formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and chlorine. It is therefore advised to always practice precaution when undertaking a cleaning task such as wearing gloves and having enough ventilation to minimize exposure. Asthma and other reactive airway diseases can occur in a sensitized person exposed to any airborne chemicals, including germicides. 

As we are going through unprecedented times with the outbreak of the Coronavirus across the world. We must remember to limit our outings to a minimum and the essentials. Only this is to avoid any risk of infection. It is advised to wash your hands daily, disinfect frequently-touched objects, and to practice social-distancing at 6ft (1.5m) apart from one another when going outside. With The Exterminators Inc disinfection and sanitization service available across the Greater Toronto Area, you can rest assured that we cover every corner, nook, and cranny of your home as we fight the spread collectively.