by Paul Oranika

Created on: November 25, 2009

Disinfecting and sanitizing products have advantages and disadvantages. This totally depends on the type of disinfectant being used. Some disinfectants are not very safe to humans while some pose no significant dangers to the user. This article would cover both the benefits and disadvantages of disinfectants to give you the reader a better ballance perspective on this issue. Disinfectants are important chemicals used for a variety of purposes. Within homes, disinfectants are used to kill microorganisms which can grow in places such as the kitchen or the bathroom. Disinfectants are widely used within the medical establishment, hospitals, health care centers and doctors' offices for purposes of killing different types of germs which may cause all kinds of diseases. They are also used in sanitizing products, such as agricultural crops and fruits. As important as they may be, they have both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

One of the most important advantages offered by disinfectants is for the control of diseases. Disinfectants can kill germs and microorganisms which may not be seen with the naked eye. For instance, Phenolics types of disinfectants are very good for killing bacteria. They are considered as general purpose disinfectants, and can kill organic matter and other organisms including mycobacterium. Examples of phenolics include Benzyl-4 chlorophenol, amylphenol and phenylphenol.

Inexpensive

Disinfectants are largely inexpensive. They are widely available. Some of the cheapest kinds of disinfectants include halogens. Halogens are also very effective in killing and controlling viruses. They are also used for equipment disinfecting; particularly medical equipments contaminated with blood which are soiled with HIV or Hepatitis and other diseases. Bleach with its bleaching potential is used in treating clothes against bacterial and germ contamination. Examples of halogen disinfectants are hypochlorite and ordinary bleach.

Treating Skin Wounds

Alcohol is another group of disinfectants used in treating skin and wounds against bacterial infections. They are used to clean the surfaces of wounds on the body; they are also used along with water to maximize their effectiveness. Some common examples of alcohol are isopropyl alcohol, and ethyl alcohol. Isopropanol is another example of alcohol, used for skin disinfecting.

Disadvantages

Disinfectants are hazardous waste. They contain halogenated compounds. Most disinfectants contain in excess of environmental

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