We all have at least one or two things we use to protect ourselves from germs in our homes. Especially after the Corona period, a hand sanitizer, a bottle of Dettol, and a floor cleaner have become indispensable. But have you ever thought that what you put on a wound and what you wipe on the floor are the same? Is it okay to wipe the kitchen table with a liquid that is applied to the skin? That is the answer to that question that we are talking about today.
First of all, what are disinfectants?
Simply put, disinfectants are chemicals used to kill germs on inanimate objects, that is, nonliving surfaces.
Think about things like tables, chairs, doorknobs, floors, and bathroom commodes in your home. We use disinfectants to kill bacteria and viruses on these surfaces. These are much stronger than antiseptics, meaning they are more concentrated. Therefore, it is never a good idea to apply disinfectants to the skin. Doing so can damage the skin and cause allergies.
The table below lists several things that fall into the category of disinfectants.
| Disinfectant type | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemicals | Things like alcohol, formaldehyde, chlorine compounds, hydrogen peroxide. These are the disinfectants that we commonly see in bottles. |
| Other methods | Methods such as ultraviolet radiation and pasteurization are used for sterilization in hospitals and factories. |
How to use a disinfectant correctly?
It's not enough to just buy a bottle of disinfectant and wipe it down. To get the most out of it, you need to use it correctly. The most important thing is to read the instructions on the bottle carefully . In general, you need to be careful about these things.
| Things to be aware of | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Correct concentration | Check whether you need to mix it with water as directed, or use it as is. |
| Contact Time | To kill germs, the liquid needs to be left on the surface for a certain amount of time. The instructions say 5 or 10 minutes. Wiping it off as soon as you apply it won't help. |
| Pre-cleaning | Before applying disinfectant, you need to remove any dust or dirt from the surface. Only then will the disinfectant work properly. |
| Expiration Date | Expired products may lose their potency, so check the date before using. |
So, what are antiseptics?
Okay, now let's look at antiseptics. These are what we use to kill or stop the growth of germs on living tissues, that is, on our skin.
Simply remember: Disinfectants are for the floor, Antiseptics are for the skin!
When we have a small wound or a scrape, we apply things like Dettol and Savlon, those are antiseptics. Also, hand sanitizers and mouthwashes used to keep hands clean fall into this category. The liquids used in hospitals to clean the skin before surgery (e.g. Chlorhexidine) are a special type of antiseptic.
Main uses of antiseptics
- For hand washing and cleaning (Hand sanitizing).
- To prevent infections in small wounds and scrapes.
- To disinfect the skin before surgery or an injection.
- To clean mucous membranes such as the mouth and throat before certain medical tests.
What are the dangers of these and how can you protect yourself?
Disinfectants and antiseptics are things that help us, but they can be dangerous if used incorrectly. These are chemicals and should be used with great care.
Warning: Never mix different types of cleaners or disinfectants together for any reason!
For example, if you mix bleach and a cleaner containing ammonia, you will produce a very toxic gas called chloramine. It can be fatal if inhaled. Similarly, if you mix bleach and an acid (e.g. toilet cleaner), you will produce chlorine gas, which is also very dangerous.
For safety, be sure to follow these things:
- Read the product label carefully and follow the instructions.
- Do not use more than the recommended amount.
- When using disinfectants, do so in a well-ventilated area (with windows open).
- Wear gloves . Wash your hands thoroughly with soap when you are finished.
- Do not leave these in places where small children can get hold of them. Store them safely, such as in a locked cupboard.
- Washing your hands with soap is better than using hand sanitizer when soap and water are available.
When do you need to see a doctor?
If you experience any of these symptoms while using or after using a chemical, it could be your body's reaction to the chemical. If so, see your doctor immediately.
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Nausea
- Tearing or burning eyes
- Sore throat or nose, discomfort
If someone accidentally drinks such a chemical, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Otherwise, immediately take them to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Disinfectants are for inanimate surfaces like floors, tables, and bathrooms.
- Antiseptics are for use on our skin, such as on wounds and scrapes.
- Never apply disinfectant to your skin. It is harmful to the skin.
- Before using any product, read the instructions carefully.
- Most importantly: Never mix different types of chemical cleaners. It can be very dangerous.
- Keep all these products away from small children and store them safely.
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