Corrosive disinfectants

Liquid sterilants are known to corrode the metal parts of articles and instmments that are to be sterilized, although articles composed exclusively of glass or certain type of corrosion-resistant metal alloys can be safely processed. Because the degree of corrosion is related to length of exposure, many articles are merely disinfected in a shorter exposure time. Disinfection may be suitable for certain appHcations. The safety of using Hquid sterilants must be judged by a qualified microbiologist. 

Beize,/. corrosive corrosion (Dyeing) mordant disinfectant disinfection (Med.) caustic, cauterisation (Leather) bate, drench (Metal.) pickle etching staining stain, beizempfladlich, a. sensitive to corrosion, mordanting, etc. (see beizen). beizen, r.2. corrode mordant cauterize steep bate, drench (hides) etch pickle blanch (metals) disinfect stain sauce (tobacco) ... 

The pH of the water is checked again and made slightly basic to reduce acid corrosion of the pipes. At this point, a disinfectant, usually chlorine, is added. In the United States, the chlorine level is required to be greater than 1 g of Cl2 per 1000 kg (1 ppm by mass) of water at the point of consumption. In water, chlorine forms hypochlorous acid, which is highly toxic to bacteria ... 

In disinfection of instruments, the chemicals used must not adversely affect the instruments, e.g. cause corrosion of metals, affect clarity or integrity of lenses, or change texture of synthetic polymers. Many materials such as fabrics, rubber, plastics are capable of adsorbing certain disinfectants, e.g. quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), are adsorbed by fabrics, while phenolics are adsorbed by rubber, the consequence ofthis being a reduction in concentration of active compound. A disinfectant can only exert its effect ifit is in contact with the item being treated. Therefore access to all parts of an instrument or piece of equipment is essential. For small items, total immersion in the disinfectant must also be ensured. 

As is apparent from the above information, there is no ideal disinfectant, antiseptic or preservative. All chemical agents have their limitations either in terms of their antimicrobial activity, resistance to organic matter, stability, incompatibility, irritancy, toxicity or corrosivity. To overcome the limitations of an individual agent, formulations consisting of combinations of agents are available. For example, ethanol has been combined with chlorhexidine and iodine to produce more active preparations. The combination of chlorhexidine and cetrimide is also considered to improve activity. QACs and phenols have been combined with glutaraldehyde so that the same effect can be achieved with lower, less irritant concentrations of glutaraldehyde. Some... 

Bromine is another candidate for water disinfection. This element is very corrosive and requires special techniques for handling, however, a bromine derivative, BrCl is much less corrosive and is known to be a more effective bactericide [1 ]. 

Strong acids, bases, or oxidizers can cause permanent eye damage, skin bums, and, if swallowed, gastrointestinal damage. Examples of corrosive products include alkaline drain cleaners and oven cleaners, acid-based toilet bowl cleaners and rust removers, concentrated disinfectants, and some concentrated pesticides, especially fungicides. 

Formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde are used for disinfection or sterilization of instruments such as fiberoptic endoscopes, respiratory therapy equipment, hemodialyzers, and dental handpieces that cannot withstand exposure to the high temperatures of steam sterilization. They are not corrosive for metal, plastic, or rubber. These agents have a broad spectrum of activity against microorganisms and viruses. They act by alkylation of chemical groups in proteins and nucleic acids. Failures of disinfection or steri... 

Some bromine compounds are covered specifically under Hazardous Materials Regulations. Other compounds may usually be shipped under the classification of chemicals, not otherwise indexed by name, without special requirements unless from their nature they would fall under a category such as combustible liquid, compressed gas, corrosive liquid (or solid), disinfectant liquid (or solid), dmg, dye intermediate (liquid), fire extinguisher, flammable gas (liquid or solid), insecticide, medicine, oxidizer or oxidizing material, poisonous liquid (gas or solid), solvent, or tear gas. Specific provisions apply to each of these categories and appropriate packaging and labeling are required. 

The pH of the water is checked again and made slightly basic to reduce acid corrosion of the pipes. At this point, a disinfectant, usually chlorine, is... 

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