Germicides are at least somewhat toxic to humans and the environment. Therefore, the benefit of disinfecting or sterilizing an item or surface must be weighed against the risks associated with using the chemical.

Activity in the presence of organic matter

Hypochlorite (bleach) and many other germicides react with organic matter, losing their effectiveness in doing so. Other chemicals such as phenolics tolerate the presence of some organic matter.

Compatibility with the material being treated

Items such as electrical equipment often cannot withstand liquid chemical germicides, and so gaseous alternatives must be used. Likewise, corrosive germicides such as hypochlorite often damage some metals and rubber.

Many chemical germicides leave a toxic or corrosive residue. If such a germicide is used to treat an item, the residue must be removed by washing.

Cost and availability

Some germicides are less expensive and more readily available than others. (Hypochlorite vs. ethylene oxide)

Storage and stability

Some germicides are sold as concentrated stock solutions, decreasing the required storage space. The stocks are simply diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions before use. Some have a limited shelf life once prepared.

Germicides that retain their anti- microbial activity after use can interfere with wastewater treatment systems. The activity of those germicides must be neutralized before disposal.

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Selecting Germicidal

Factor	Dig Deep
Toxicity	Germicides are at least somewhat toxic to humans and the environment. Therefore, the benefit of disinfecting or sterilizing an item or surface must be weighed against the risks associated with using the chemical.
Activity in the presence of organic matter	Hypochlorite (bleach) and many other germicides react with organic matter, losing their effectiveness in doing so. Other chemicals such as phenolics tolerate the presence of some organic matter.
Compatibility with the material being treated	Items such as electrical equipment often cannot withstand liquid chemical germicides, and so gaseous alternatives must be used. Likewise, corrosive germicides such as hypochlorite often damage some metals and rubber.
Residue	Many chemical germicides leave a toxic or corrosive residue. If such a germicide is used to treat an item, the residue must be removed by washing.
Cost and availability	Some germicides are less expensive and more readily available than others. (Hypochlorite vs. ethylene oxide)
Storage and stability	Some germicides are sold as concentrated stock solutions, decreasing the required storage space. The stocks are simply diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions before use. Some have a limited shelf life once prepared.
Environmental risk	Germicides that retain their anti- microbial activity after use can interfere with wastewater treatment systems. The activity of those germicides must be neutralized before disposal.

Created by: Viridescent

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