The most suitable techniques and products for disinfection
What is disinfection? Disinfection is an operation that destroys pathogens, such as batteries, viruses and protozoa, while preventing the growth of microorganisms in the vegetative phase. It should aim to reduce the density of pathogenic bacteria to a level such that the organism itself does not become weak after being attacked by these germs. Taking into account the result of the elimination of pathogenic organisms, we can distinguish between three levels of disinfection: - Low level: Most vegetative bacterial forms, some viruses and fungi are destroyed, but not Mycobacterium tuberculosis or bacterial spores. - Intermediate level: all vegetative bacterial forms, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, most viruses and fungi are inactivated, but it does not ensure the destruction of bacterial spores. - High level: All microorganisms are destroyed, except some bacterial spores. When we refer to total disinfection we are talking about chemical sterilization, which is a process by which all organisms, both pathogenic and non-pathogenic, are destroyed, including spores. It is a terminal procedure, as well as an absolute term. Chemical agents We have previously pointed out that we can only talk about disinfection when we use a disinfectant. In addition, it must be taken into account that highly disinfectant products (high level) are usually not very useful for cleaning processes, since they contain different compounds not suitable for general cleaning. Among the chemical agents there is a difference between: - Antiseptics: They are compounds that prevent decomposition or putrefaction, by controlling the growth of microbes. They are germicides of low toxicity and, therefore, can be used on the skin and other types of tissues. - Disinfectants: They are understood as germicides of greater toxicity and that are used on objects, environment and inanimate surfaces. As a general consideration, it can be said that aseptic and antiseptic measures could be effective separately in the fight against infection, but it is essential to bear in mind that their use in a complementary way is totally necessary if the actions are to be successful. . These disinfectant products can have different actions: - Bactericidal: The compounds kill bacteria of all kinds, although they generally do not kill spores. - Bacteriostatic: Prevents the reproduction and growth of bacteria, but does not kill them. - Fungicide: They kill fungi, molds and yeasts of all kinds, although they generally do not kill spores. - Fungistatic: They prevent the reproduction and growth of fungi, molds and yeasts, but they do not kill them. - Virucida: It destroys viruses, but not spores. Types of disinfectants Below is a list of the most commonly used chemical disinfectants: - Aldehydes: The most commonly used are formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. They have a great power to destroy bacteria, microscopic fungi and viruses. - Quaternary ammonium: They are generally odorless, colorless, non-irritating, and deodorizing. They also have some detergent action, and are good disinfectants. However, some quaternary ammonium compounds are inactive in the presence of soap or soap scum. Its antibacterial activity is reduced by the presence of organic material. Quaternary ammonium compounds are effective against bacteria and somewhat effective against fungi and viruses. - Phenols: Phenols are derived from coal - pitch. They have a characteristic odor and turn milky in water. Phenols are very effective against bacterial agents and also against fungi and many viruses. In addition, they retain more activity in the presence of organic material than disinfectants composed of iodine or chlorine. - Hypochlorites: Chlorine compounds are good disinfectants on clean surfaces, but they are quickly inactivated by dirt. Chlorine is effective against bacteria and many viruses. These compounds are also much more active in hot water than in cold water. Chlorine solutions can irritate the skin and are corrosive to metal. They are relatively cheap. - Peroxides: They are active against bacteria, bacteriological spores, viruses and fungi at fairly low concentrations. - Iodoforms: Iodine compounds are a combination of elemental iodine and a substance that makes iodine soluble in water. They are good disinfectants, but they do not work well in the presence of organic material. They are effective against bacteria, fungi, and many viruses. Many iodine products can stain clothing and porous surfaces. Inappropriate practices Contagions are caused by poor disinfection, due in many cases to: - Not disinfecting the intakes that are more prone to pathogenic germs. - Misusing disinfectants or not using effective concentrations properly. - Leave little time to act. - Use the same equipment or cleaning supplies for everything. Even ineffective cleaning can be a source of infection. Let's see some examples: - Dirty mop poorly disinfected. When scrubbing, what you do is paint the floor with a thin layer of germs and dirt. Between the humid and warm fringes, any residual bacteria or germs that have not died multiply quickly. - Mop scrubbing and a single bucket of water. Its effect is very similar to the previous case: the dirty water that accumulates is a deposit of germs that the mop is responsible for distributing from one room to another or from one room to the rest of the rooms. - Aspirated with a vacuum cleaner without absolute filter. The dust collected with all the bacteria that were deposited on the ground passes through a common filter or bag, being absolutely insufficient. In this way, they are returned to the atmosphere and quickly enter the body of any person through the respiratory tract. - Sweeping with a dry mop or broom. Bacteria are not trapped and are easily dispersed throughout the environment. Consequently, the risk of them being aspirated by anyone increases. - Dirty cleaning room. All cleaning machines and tools are potential germ-spreading agents. In a dirty room, microorganisms become embedded in tanks, mops, rags, etc. and they can stay weeks or months. When these contaminated tools are used again, the bacteria will spread again, unless they are discovered and stopped in time. - Wet floors. Another ideal site for bacteria is located in cracks, tile joints and baseboards. When scrubbing, these places fill with moisture and it is often the ideal place for germs to multiply and travel later. Hospital cleaning will always be easier if the floors are free of porosity or cracks and joints. Any crevice where moisture can accumulate is likely to accommodate bacteria. For this reason, and as a measure to avoid this, it is advisable to use non-porous and continuous floors and, where appropriate, waterproof it using the appropriate procedures: crystallization, sealing by emulsions, etc. Sectors The concept of disinfection, depending on the area and sector where it is carried out, changes. Disinfection of a bathroom or kitchen is not the same, or that carried out in a hospital center. Cleaning personnel who perform this disinfection technique have to know very well what they are working on. In a hospital there are cleaning and disinfection protocols that do not lead to errors in the techniques, while in the rest of the sectors it is more linked to the criteria of those responsible for the center or the professionalism of the company hired to carry out the cleaning. Whatever the criteria, we must all bear in mind that there are critical points that require special care when cleaning and disinfecting. Both a toilet in a public toilet and the food handling table in a kitchen or any place where there may be a risk of contamination that could lead to a danger to public health deserve special attention.
Also, Sanitising is extremely important to ensure that bacteria doesn't spread to other areas of your home or to you. If you contact us, we can give you advice on what to do and how to sanitise yourself and your home.