Question

Antiseptics and disinfectants either kill or prevent growth of microorganism. Identify which of the following statements is not true?
(A) A 0.2% solution of phenol is antiseptic while a 1% solution acts as a disinfectant.
(B) Chlorine and iodine are used as strong disinfectants.
(C) Dilute solutions of boric acid and hydrogen peroxide are strong antiseptics.
(D) Disinfectants harm the living tissues.

Answer 1

The property of the chemical agents to kill or prevent the growth of the disease-causing microorganisms over the living or non-living surfaces is shown by the antiseptic or the disinfectants.

Complete step by step solution:
- Firstly, both the antiseptics and disinfectants are chemical agents used in order to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms and are thus, known as the antimicrobial drugs.
- We apply the antiseptic to the surface of the body or the open tissues in order to kill the bacteria, preventing any infection whereas the disinfectants are applied over the material mainly to kill or reduce the growth of the organisms present on the surface.
As can be seen, during the surgical procedures, the antiseptic is used over the patient’s skin whereas, the disinfectant is used in the sterilization of the instruments to be used.
- A common example of the antiseptics and disinfectants is the phenol solution such that the disinfectant in lower concentration is often used as an antiseptic. For example, the 0.2% solution of phenol is an antiseptic while 1% solution acts as a disinfectant.
- Other commonly known examples of antiseptic is the tincture of iodine used over wounds, consisting of solution with small percent of iodine in alcohol and water. Also, the dilute solution of boric acid is a strong antiseptic.
Whereas, the examples of disinfectant are the aqueous chlorine solution and hydrogen peroxide.

Therefore, option (C) is incorrect about the hydrogen peroxide being a strong antiseptic.

Note: The antiseptic is a kind of disinfectant as it is applied on exposed living tissue, whereas, the disinfectant is applied over the surface of inanimate objects. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong disinfectant but on varying it to lower concentration it acts as mild antiseptics.