This table provides general information for each disinfectant chemical classes. Characteristics of Selected Disinfectants Antimicrobial activity may vary with formulation and concentration. Always read and follow the product label for proper preparation and application directions.
Oxidizing Agents Quaternary Disinfectant Halogens: Halogens: Peroxygen Ammonium Category Alcohols Alkalis Aldehydes Chlorine Iodine Compounds Phenols Compounds ethanol, calcium hydroxide, formaldehyde, sodium hypochlorite povidone-iodine hydrogen peroxide/ ortho-phenylphenol, benzalkonium chloride, Common isopropanol sodium carbonate, glutaraldehyde, (bleach), calcium accelerated HP, orthobenzylpara- alkyldimethyl Active calcium oxide ortho-phthalaldehyde, hypochlorite, chlorine peracetic acid, chlorophenol ammonium chloride Ingredients dioxide potassium peroxymonosulfate
One-Stroke Environ®, Roccal-D®, Rescue®, Oxy-Sept Sample Trade Synergize® Clorox®, Wysiwash® Pheno-Tek II®, DiQuat®, D-256® 333®, Virkon-S® Names* Tek-Trol®, Lysol®
Precipitates Alters pH through Denatures proteins; Denatures proteins; Denatures Denature proteins Denatures proteins; Mechanism proteins; hydroxyl ions; Denatures proteins binds phospholipids of alkylates nucleic acids proteins and lipids disrupts cell wall of Action denatures lipids fat saponification cell membrane
• Fast acting • Slow acting • Slow acting • Fast acting • Stable in storage • Fast acting • Can leave residual • Stable in storage • Rapid • Affected by pH • Affected by pH • Affected by pH • Affected by pH • May damage some film on surfaces • Best at neutral or evaporation • Best at high temps and temperature • Frequent application • Requires metals (e.g., lead, • Can damage alkaline pH • Leaves no • Corrosive to metals • Irritation of skin/ • Inactivated by UV frequent copper, brass, zinc) rubber, plastic; • Effective at high temps residue • Severe skin burns; mucous membrane radiation application • Powdered form non-corrosive • High concentrations Characteristics • Can swell or mucous membrane • Only use in well • Corrodes metals, • Corrosive may cause mucous • Stable in storage corrosive to metals harden rubber irritation ventilated areas rubber, fabrics, • Stains clothes membrane irritation • Irritation to skin • Irritation to skin, eyes, and plastics • Environmental • Pungent odor • Mucous membrane and treated • Low toxicity at lower and eyes and respiratory tract hazard • Noncorrosive irritation surfaces concentrations • Environmentally friendly Toxic gas released May be toxic to Precautions Flammable Very caustic Carcinogenic if mixed with strong animals, especially acids or ammonia cats and pigs
Bactericidal + + + + + + + +
Virucidal ±a + ± + + + + + Enveloped
Fungicidal + + + + + ± + +
Tuberculocidal + ± + + + ± + –
Sporicidal – + + + ± + – +
Inactivated by Effective in presence Effective in presence Inactivated by Factors Rapidly Inactivated by organic matter, Rapidly inactivated of organic matter, of organic matter, organic matter, Variable inactivated by Affecting organic matter hard water, by organic matter hard water, soaps, hard water, soaps,and hard water, soaps and organic matter Effectiveness soaps and detergents and detergents detergents anionic detergents
+ = effective; ± = variable or limited activity; – = not effective a - slow acting against nonenveloped viruses (e.g., norovirus) *Disclaimer: The use of trade names serves only as examples and does not in any way signify endorsement of a particular product.
References: Fraise AP, Lambert PA et al. (eds). Russell, Hugo & Ayliffe’s Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization, 5th ed. 2013. Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell; McDonnell GE. Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization: Types, Action, and Resistance. 2007. ASM Press, Washington DC. Rutala WA, Weber DJ, Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). 2008. Guideline for disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/Disinfection_Sterilization/toc.html; Quinn PJ, Markey FC et al. (eds). Veterinary Microbiology and Microbial Disease. 2nd ed. 2011. West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell, pp 851-889. ©2004-2018 CFSPH