The selection of chemicals to eliminate germ

What is a germicide?

Germicide, that is used to eliminate germs, is called “Disinfectant” which eliminates many forms of microbes but it is violent to the skin of living things. Therefore, it is suitable for using on the surfaces of various objects to stop the spread of infection. It is an important compound used in household disinfecting products, additionally it is also commonly used in hospitals.

Disinfectant can be classified according to the efficiency of germicide into 3 levels as following:

1. High level disinfectants
A group, that has high activity to destroy bacteria, can eliminate all kinds of germs. It is mainly used to clean non-sterilized medical equipment such as formaldehyde, 30% hydrogen peroxide and chlorinated compounds.

2. Intermediate level disinfectants
This group can destroy almost all bacteria and viruses, commonly used in laboratories and hospitals such as sodium hypochlorite, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol.

3. Low level disinfectants
It can destroy bacteria, some viruses and fungi, such as 3% hydrogen peroxide.


What substance can eliminate the virus Covid-19?

Many chemical names can may be confused but the choice of disinfectants in the case of the Covid-19 virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States of America and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend to use ethyl alcohol (ethanol) at a concentration of at least 70% or 0.5% sodium hypochlorite to clean the surface which is in the group of medium effective disinfectants. It can be used in various places, including hospitals that are required special cleanliness.

Household items can eliminate the virus

There are 5 types of disinfectants that can be used in household and can eliminate the virus, such as 1. Benzalkonium chloride 2. Chloroxylenol 3. Ethyl alcohol 4. Isopropyl alcohol and 5. Sodium hypochlorite.
Most of them are highly concentration. It must be diluted with water before using, in order to have a concentration that can be sterilized. There are many brands that contain these substances and can be easily purchased for the low price.

Note: Thank you for information from Prof. Jesada Duangduangboripan, lecturer at the Department of Biology Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University