Antiseptics and Disinfectants

Antiseptics are chemical agents that slow or stop the growth of micro-organisms (germs) on external
surfaces of the body and help prevent infections. Antiseptics should be distinguished from antibiotics
that destroy micro-organisms inside the body, and from disinfectants, which destroy micro-organisms
found on inanimate (non-living) objects. However, antiseptics are often referred to as skin disinfectants.

Antiseptics are mainly used to reduce levels of microorganisms on the skin and mucous membranes.
The skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and vagina are home to a large number of what
are usually harmless micro-organisms. However, when the skin or mucous membranes are damaged or
breached in surgery, antiseptics can be used to disinfect the area and reduce the chances of infection. It
is also important that people whom are treating patients with wounds or burns adequately wash their
hands with antiseptic solutions to minimize the risk of cross infection.

Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents that are applied to non-living objects to destroy
microorganisms that are living on the objects. Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms,
especially resistant bacterial spores; it is less effective than sterilization, which is an extreme physical
and/or chemical process that kills all types of life. Disinfectants work by destroying the cell wall of
microbes or interfering with the metabolism.

Disinfectants are frequently used in hospitals, dental surgeries, kitchens, and bathrooms to kill
infectious organisms. Bacterial endospores are most resistant to disinfectants, but some viruses and
bacteria also possess some tolerance.

Most chemical agents can be used as both an antiseptic and a disinfectant. The purpose for which it is
used is determined by its concentration. For example hydrogen peroxide 6% solution is used for
cleansing wounds, while stronger solutions (>30%) are used in industry as a bleach and oxidising agents

Vocabularies:
a. Chemical agents : k. Antimicrobial agents :
b. External surface : l. Resistant :
c. Mucous membrane : m. Bacterial spores :
d. Harmless : n. Cell wall of microbes :
e. Breached : o. Infectious organism :
f. Surgery : p. Tolerance :
g. Wound : q. Sterilization :
h. Burn : r. Solution :
i. Antiseptic solutions : s. Bleach :
j. Cross infection : t. Oxidising agents :

Answer these questions.

1. What is the difference between Antiseptics and Disinfectants?

2. What is the difference between Antiseptics and Antibiotics?

3. Where are antiseptics mainly used?

4. Where are disinfectants frequently used?

5. What kind of material can we use as antiseptics and disinfectant?