Question

How does antiseptic differ from disinfectants? Give one example of each.

Answer 1

Antiseptics are the chemicals that are applied to living tissues and disinfectants are the chemicals that are applied on floors, surfaces, etc., which either kills or prevents the growth of microorganisms.

Complete step by step answer:
-Antiseptics: Antiseptics are those chemical substances that are applied to the living tissues such as wounds, cuts, ulcers and other skin diseases. Some of the most commonly used antiseptics are Dettol and Savlon. Dettol is a mixture of chloroxylenol and terpineol.

-Some other examples of antiseptics are furacine, soframycin. Bithionol is added to soap to give it antiseptic properties. Iodine is a powerful antiseptic. Its 2 to 3 percent solution in alcohol-water is known as tincture of iodine. Iodoform can also be also used as an antiseptic for wounds.

-Disinfectants: Disinfectants are applied to inanimate objects such as floors, drainage systems, instruments, etc. A 0.2 to 0.4 ppm aqueous solution of chlorine and sulphur dioxide in very low concentration, are disinfectants.

-Some other examples of disinfectants are alcohol, chlorine, chlorine compounds and other compounds like formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, etc.

Note:
-Both disinfectants and antiseptics are made to kill or reduce the growth of microorganisms but do not confuse them as the same thing. Because antiseptics are used on the living tissue and disinfectants are used for non-living surfaces like floors and handles, etc.

-The same chemical substances can act as an antiseptic as well as a disinfectant by varying their concentration. For example, a 0.2 percent solution of phenol is an antiseptic while its 1 percent solution is used as a disinfectant.