Infection Control Solutions

There are many different liquid disinfectants available under a variety of trade names. In general, these can be categorized as halogens, acids or alkalines, heavy metal salts, quaternary ammonium compounds, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, amines, and dual actives. Unfortunately, the most effective disinfectants are often very aggressive (corrosive) and toxic. Some of the more common ones are discussed below:

Alcohols:

Ethyl or isopropyl alcohols in concentration of 70% to 90% are good general-use disinfectants.However, they evaporate fast and therefore have limited exposure time. They are less active against non-lipid viruses and ineffective against bacterial spores. Concentrations above 90% are less effective.

Formalin:

Formalin is 37% solution of formaldehyde in water. Dilution of formalin to 5% results in an effective disinfectant. Formaldehyde is a human carcinogen and creates respiratory problems at low levels of concentration.

Glutaraldehyde:

This compound although chemically related to formaldehyde, is more effective against all types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Vapours of glutaraldehydes are irritating to the eyes, nasal passages and upper respiratory tract. They should be used always in accordance with the instructions on the label and the appropriate personal protective equipment.

Phenol and Phenol Derivatives:

Phenol based disinfectants come in various concentrations ranging mostly from 5% to 10 %. These derivatives including phenol have an odour, which can be somewhat unpleasant. Phenol itself is toxic and appropriate personal protective equipment is necessary during application.

The phenolic disinfectants are used frequently for disinfection of contaminated surfaces (e.g., walls, floors, bench tops). They effectively kill bacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, fungi and lipid-containing viruses. They are not active against spores or non-lipid viruses.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats):

Quats are cationic detergents with strong surface activity. They are acceptable for general-use disinfectants and are active against Gram-positive bacteria and lipid-containing viruses. They are less active against Gram-negative bacteria and are not active against non-lipid-containing viruses.

Quatsare easily inactivated by organic materials, anionic detergents or salts of metals found in water. If Quats are mixed with phenols, they are very effective disinfectants as well as cleaners. Quats are relatively non-toxic and can be used for decontamination of food equipment and for general cleaning.

Dual Actives:

Steri-7 has a fast and broad spectrum activity and including spores. One of Steri-7’s USP is its ability to clean and disinfect in one process. The dual actives give pathogens very little chance of becoming resistant to its properties. Steri-7 is not inactivated by organic loads or variation in working temperatures. Steri-7 has little or no odour and does not omit any fumes or vapours. Steri-7 is food safe, classed as non-toxic and Non-hazardous to the environment.