Eye and skin irritation – Direct exposure to the eyes may result in irritation and redness. Likewise, prolonged or frequent exposure to disinfectants can cause skin conditions like chronic drying of the skin and dermatitis for those with sensitive skin.
Some of the chemical disinfectants are irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. The highly corrosive disinfectants could inflict serious damage if they come into contact with the skin or eyes. The airborne disinfectants would also cause respiratory problems if used in poorly ventilated areas.
Antiseptics can cause severe skin irritation or chemical burns. Skin reactions may include erosions, ulcers, vesicles, and scarring.
In many disinfecting wipes, the active ingredients include quaternary ammonia compounds or quats for short. Quats are effective at killing germs and are even used for infection control in some healthcare settings, like hospitals. But quats can also trigger health problems like lung irritation, asthma, and allergies.
Disinfectants damage the environment
Some chemical disinfectants are harmful to environmental surfaces, such that damage may render items uncleanable and shorten their life-span. Therefore, replacement costs need to be added to the cost of disinfectant usage.
They can cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation. The fragrances and active ingredient and in these wipes (alkyl dimethyl-benzyl ammonium chloride; a quaternary ammonium compound or “quat” for short) can trigger allergic reactions and asthma.
Disinfectants are more effective than detergents in reducing the microbial load on floors. Disinfection of noncritical equipment and surfaces is recommended for patients on isolation precautions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The chlorine residual, even at low concentrations, is toxic to aquatic life and may require dechlorination. All forms of chlorine are highly corrosive and toxic. Thus, storage, shipping, and handling pose a risk, requiring increased safety regulations.
The main disadvantage is the small disinfecting and oxidising ability of hydrogen peroxide at active concentrations (tens of milligrams per litre), which are required for swimming pool disinfection. Another problem is the quick decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in water and the presence of oxygen radicals.
Several physical and chemical factors also influence disinfectant procedures: temperature, pH, relative humidity, and water hardness.
Disinfectant sprays and processes are formulated to kill germs, viruses AND bacteria. Antibacterial spray is proven to kill bacteria but does not combat viruses and a full spectrum of germs.
Disinfection is the process of removing micro-organisms, including potentially pathogenic ones, from the surfaces of inanimate objects. From: Progress in Medicinal Chemistry, 1998.
Although aqueous or alcoholic (tincture) solutions of iodine have been used for 150 years as antiseptics, they are associated with irritation and excessive staining.
Eye and skin irritation – Direct exposure to the eyes may result in irritation and redness. Likewise, prolonged or frequent exposure to disinfectants can cause skin conditions like chronic drying of the skin and dermatitis for those with sensitive skin.
Bleach can irritate the skin and eyes. Breathing in bleach over a long period of time can increase your risk of cancer. A dangerous gas can be formed when bleach is combined with certain chemicals (like ammonia). Bleach causes the buildup of chloroform in the air.
Disinfecting uses chemicals (disinfectants) to kill germs on surfaces and objects. Some common disinfectants are bleach and alcohol solutions. You usually need to leave the disinfectant on the surfaces and objects for a certain period of time to kill the germs.
Disinfecting can kill viruses and bacteria that remain on surfaces after cleaning. By killing germs on a surface after cleaning, disinfecting can further lower the risk of spreading germs that can cause illness.
When chlorine solutions are too strong, they risk damaging surfaces and equipment. Furthermore, strong chlorine concentrations can cause cracking of certain materials. These cracks can provide a reservoir for microorganisms. Chlorine can interact with different cloths used to disinfect surfaces.
Sanitize objects and surfaces that come in contact with mouths (such as, toys, infant feeding supplies, countertops, and other surfaces that touch food). Disinfecting kills remaining germs on surfaces. Killing germs can further lower the risk of spreading disease.
The wipes should be used so the surface remains wet for a 4-minute contact time*. Following the contact time, the surface should be rinsed thoroughly with potable water if contact with food is likely. Hands must be washed well with soap and water, even if chemically resistant gloves are used.
Are disinfectant wipes toxic? Disinfecting wipes are intended to be used by hand, and because of this, they are fairly safe when used properly. However, they are not meant to be mouthed, chewed, or swallowed. Specialized cleaning wipes, like bathroom wipes, can be harsher on the mouth or throat than kitchen wipes.