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FIFRA (the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) and a few subsequent modifications give regulatory authority for drugs to the FDA, and regulatory authority for insecticide to the EPA. Skin antiseptics are considered drugs because they kill bacteria on human skin. Alcohol Disinfectants are regulated by the EPA because they are used to kill germs on inanimate non-porous surfaces. The FDA regulates alcohol for use as a skin antiseptic. It's usually sold as an OTC (Over The Counter) drug. If you look on the package label of your rubbing alcohol, it will say at the top: "DRUG FACTS" and give some general information about the product. The EPA regulates alcolhol for use as a disinfectant for inanimate non-porous surfaces. If you look at the package label of your alcohol-based product, it will tell you how to properly use the product. Yes, the identical product may be in both containers, but this is one of the few areas of product overlap. So, you purchase the product according to the use you have in mind. In addition to alcohol antiseptics (generally available at the drugstore) and alcohol disinfectants (available online), beauty supply shops sell bottles and gallon jugs of alcohol as "cleansers," which means the product is intended to be used as neither a disnifectant nor an antiseptic.

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15y ago
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5mo ago

Disinfectants are used to kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, on surfaces. This helps to prevent the spread of infections and diseases in homes, hospitals, and other settings where hygiene is important.

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15y ago

because alcohal causes bacterium to dehydrate very quickly die

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9y ago

Disinfectants are used to reduce bacteria to safe levels.

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16y ago

It should not be used. Check the source that recommended it's use, it may be outdated.

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11y ago

to clean and prevent infection

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9y ago

No, it isn't

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Q: Why are disinfectants used?
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What are difference between antiseptics and disinfectants?

Antiseptics are used on living tissues to prevent infection, while disinfectants are used on non-living surfaces to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms. Antiseptics are typically less harsh than disinfectants and are safe for use on skin. Disinfectants are typically stronger and designed for use on surfaces like countertops, floors, and medical instruments.


Why is mercury used in disinfectants?

Mercury is not commonly used in disinfectants due to its toxic effects on humans and the environment. It has largely been phased out of consumer products in favor of safer and more effective alternatives.


What is the difference between antisepticsand disinfectants?

Antiseptics are used on living tissues to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms, while disinfectants are used on inanimate objects to kill or eliminate microorganisms. Antiseptics are generally milder and safe for use on skin, whereas disinfectants are stronger and designed for surfaces.


What is the difference between vaccines and disinfectants?

Vaccines are substances given to stimulate the body's immune system to produce a specific immune response, providing immunity to a particular disease. Disinfectants, on the other hand, are chemicals or substances used to kill or inactivate microorganisms on surfaces to prevent the spread of infection. Vaccines are used to prevent disease in individuals, while disinfectants are used to kill germs on surfaces.


Does a sanitiser conbine a disinfectant and a detergent?

No, sanitizers typically do not combine disinfectants and detergents. Sanitizers are designed to reduce the number of bacteria on surfaces to safe levels, while disinfectants are designed to kill a broader range of microorganisms. Detergents are used to remove dirt and grime but do not necessarily have the same antimicrobial properties as disinfectants or sanitizers.

Related questions

Why can't disinfectants used to clean skin?

Disinfectants kill or inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Most disinfectants are too harsh to be applied to living tissue, and are applied only to inanimate surfaces. Ammonia, ethanol, and bleach are examples of widely used disinfectants.


What are difference between antiseptics and disinfectants?

Antiseptics are used on living tissues to prevent infection, while disinfectants are used on non-living surfaces to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms. Antiseptics are typically less harsh than disinfectants and are safe for use on skin. Disinfectants are typically stronger and designed for use on surfaces like countertops, floors, and medical instruments.


What element in the halogens group is used in disinfectants and chemical weapons?

Chlorine is the element in the halogens group that is commonly used in disinfectants and chemical weapons due to its strong oxidizing properties.


Is disinfectant dangerous?

Disinfectants can be dangerous if not used properly. It is important to follow instructions on the product label, avoid mixing different types of disinfectants, and ensure proper ventilation when using them. Overexposure to disinfectants can lead to respiratory issues or skin irritation.


What is in the disinfectants?

An agent which is used to kill or prevant growth of micro orgnism


Why is mercury used in disinfectants?

Mercury is not commonly used in disinfectants due to its toxic effects on humans and the environment. It has largely been phased out of consumer products in favor of safer and more effective alternatives.


What is the difference between antisepticsand disinfectants?

Antiseptics are used on living tissues to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms, while disinfectants are used on inanimate objects to kill or eliminate microorganisms. Antiseptics are generally milder and safe for use on skin, whereas disinfectants are stronger and designed for surfaces.


What important use do halogens iodine and chlorine have in common?

they are both used as disinfectants.


What important use do the halogens iodine and chlorine have in common?

Iodine and chlorine are both used as disinfectants. Iodine is commonly used in medical settings as an antiseptic, while chlorine is used to disinfect water in swimming pools and as a bleach for cleaning.


What is the difference between vaccines and disinfectants?

Vaccines are substances given to stimulate the body's immune system to produce a specific immune response, providing immunity to a particular disease. Disinfectants, on the other hand, are chemicals or substances used to kill or inactivate microorganisms on surfaces to prevent the spread of infection. Vaccines are used to prevent disease in individuals, while disinfectants are used to kill germs on surfaces.


What do disinfectants help with?

Disinfectants help to kill or deactivate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms on surfaces. They are used to prevent the spread of infections and diseases in homes, healthcare settings, and other environments.


The family that contains disinfectants is the?

The halogen family is probably the answer- as hypochlorites (household bleach) and chlorine dioxide are commonly used. Many other non halogen compounds are disinfectants such as phenol, C6H5OH, potassium peroxymonosulfate, are also disinfectants- the halogen family does not have a monopoly.