What are the most commonly used disinfectant agents?

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Sanitary disinfectants are usually composed of sodium hypochlorite, alcohols, quaternary ammonium compounds, or oxidants, among others.

Sodium hypochlorite : Commonly known as bleach, it is the universal sanitary disinfectant and the most widely used chlorinated disinfectant. It acts by oxidizing proteins and ends up destroying cellular activity . Its use is recommended to remove traces of blood, urine or other bodily fluids. Its use is limited on plastics and metals since it can alter surfaces.
Alcohols (such as ethyl and isopropyl): They act on microorganisms by dehydrating and denaturing proteins . Their level of disinfection is not high.
Quaternary ammonium compounds : Quaternary ammonium compounds act by denaturing proteins, inactivating enzymes and destroying the cell membrane. Their main advantage is that they are low-toxicity disinfectants , although they can sometimes be associated with asthma or eye irritation.
Oxidants (e.g. peracetic acid) act by oxidizing the cell membrane through electron transfer. They are considered high-level disinfectants, have low toxicity but are very irritating.


Important things to keep in mind when using disinfectants and/or sanitizers:
During disinfection and hygiene processes, the recommendations of the manufacturers of the products used must be strictly followed.
We should never mix disinfectants , as they kenya phone data may be incompatible. Examples:
Chlorine and ammonia : their mixture produces a gas called chloramine, which is highly toxic and produces hydrochloric acid when it comes into contact with the body's mucous membranes. Inhaling it can cause coughing, asthma or other respiratory problems, as well as burning eyes and skin burns.
Chlorine and alcohol : in any form, it produces chloroform and hydrochloric acid, both of which are highly toxic. It can cause damage to the eyes and skin, as well as effects on organs such as the lungs, kidneys, liver and nervous system. Chloroform can cause unconsciousness, dizziness and death in extreme cases.
Chlorine and vinegar : mixing chlorine with acids generates gases that can cause serious burns to the eyes and respiratory tract. When in contact with the body's mucous membranes, it can destroy membranes, cause wounds or serious chemical burns.
Vinegar and baking soda : This combination can be used to remove stains from carpets, whiten clothes or remove dirt from glass ceramic cooktops, but it should not be mixed in a closed container, as it could cause an explosion.
Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide : Produces peracetic acid, which causes irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory system. Prolonged exposure can cause permanent lung damage.
Cleaning professionals must be well trained in:
What chemicals need to be diluted and the correct way to make dilutions.
The proper use of cleaning products, as well as their storage, consulting the product labels to store them in the right places and under the right conditions.
Know how to act in emergencies and chemical spills.
Use of appropriate protective equipment, etc.