Page 66 - School Infection Control Handbook - 2010
Basic HTML Version
Chapter 4: Selection of Products, Dispensing Equipment, and Application Systems
61
Disinfectant
Characteristics
Active Ingredient in Institutional Disinfectant Produc
ts
Bleach (sodium
hypochlorite,
5.25%
concentration)
Phenols
Quaternary
ammonium
compounds
Botanicals (e.g.,
thymol in
Benefect
®
)
Silver dihydrogen
citrate (e.g., in
PureGreen24
®
)
Accelerated hydrogen
peroxide (hydrogen
peroxide/anionic
surfactants)
Dwell time*
5–10 minute dwell
time
Read the label for
specific
recommended dwell
times
Generally 10-
minute dwell time
Read the label for
specific
recommended
dwell times
Generally 10-minute
dwell time
Read the label for
specific recommended
dwell times
10-minute dwell time
Read the label for
specific recommended
dwell times
30-second to 10-
minute dwell time
Read the label for
specific
recommended dwell
times
1- to 10-minute dwell time
Read the label for specific
recommended dwell times
Health effects
Mixing with
ammonia, QACs, and
other acidic products
can create poisonous
gas
5
Corrosive to eyes
and skin, and a
respiratory irritant.
6
Suspected
cardiovascular,
gastrointestinal or
liver, kidney, central
nervous system,
respiratory, and skin
or sense organ
toxicant
7
Phenols are
recognized
carcinogens
7
and
suspected
cardiovascular,
developmental
neurological,
reproductive,
respiratory, and
skin and sense
organ toxicants
8
Specific product
MSDSs warn that
the product is
harmful if
absorbed through
the skin and that
inhalation of
product mist may
cause respiratory
irritation
3
Can cause contact
dermatitis and nasal
irritation
9
QACs including
benzalkonium chloride,
dodecyl-dimenthyl-
benzyl ammonium
chloride, and lauryl
dimethyl benzyl
ammonium chloride are
respiratory sensitizers
and associated with
asthma
10
No warning or first aid
statements are required
on the MSDS
The botanical oils in
the product are either
FDA approved as
Food Additives or on
the U.S. GRAS list
Third-party certified
by EcoLogo to meet
environmental and
human health criteria
(the EPA does not
allow eco labels on
disinfectants)
No warning or first
aid statements are
required on the label
Some products using this
technology have been
third-party certified by
EcoLogo to meet
environmental and human
health criteria (the EPA
does not allow eco labels
[i.e., Green Seal
certification] on
disinfectants)
Exposure
controls*
PPE and/or increased
ventilation should be
used
9
Requires PPE and
increased
ventilation
9
Requires PPE and proper
ventilation
No special
requirements; regular
ventilation is adequate
No special
requirements; regular
ventilation is adequate
No special requirements;
regular ventilation is
adequate
