BIOL2142 Lecture 10: Chemical Control Agents
Document Summary
Potency of a disinfectant is compared to that of phenol. Phenol coefficient is expressed as the ratio of the effectiveness of the test germicide to that of phenol against a test organism. Was developed as a disinfectant for post-surgery situation. Act by denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes. Tuberculocidal (bacterial causative agent in tuberculosis) effective in presence of organic material, and long lasting. This microbe has very different cell wall structure to gram-positive/negative cells. Among the most widely used disinfectants and antiseptics. Any of five elements: fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. Highly reactive and toxic to most forms of life. Skin damage, staining, and allergies can be a problem. Iodophore iodine complexed with organic carrier released slowly to minimize skin burns. Important in disinfection of water supplies and swimming pools, used in dairy and food industries, effective household disinfectant. Can react with organic matter to form carcinogenic compounds. Heavy metals e. g. , ions of mercury, silver, arsenic, zinc, and copper.
