How to choose the right disinfectant for your business sector?

Disinfection is a crucial element in many sectors, from human and animal health to the food industry, agriculture and many others. Each industry has specific disinfection requirements, dictated by safety standards, local regulations and industry recommendations. In this article we will explore the different types of disinfectants suitable for each sector, highlighting the importance of choosing the right products to ensure clean, safe and healthy environments.

Cleaner or disinfectant:

Cleaning products they are essential for keeping environments clean by eliminating grease and dirt. Although their main goal is the cleaningIt is important to note that the cleaning process with detergent also involves the destruction of part of the microorganisms presentalthough this is not their main function.

On the other hand, disinfectant products they are specially formulated fordisinfect by eliminating microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Unlike detergents, their main purpose is to kill these unwanted microorganisms by transforming them biocidal agents. Therefore, disinfectants are regulated by the European Regulation EU No. 528/2012, also known as the “Biocides Regulation”, which establishes strict rules for their placing on the market and their use.

Regarding disinfectants used in different sectors, it should be noted that their choice may vary depending on local legislation, safety standards and specific recommendations of each area. For example, in the healthcare industry, broad-spectrum or specialty disinfectants are often used to meet rigorous standards for antimicrobial efficacy and safety for patients and staff. In the food industry, to ensure food safety, disinfectants that comply with stringent food safety regulations are preferred.

Therefore, the types of disinfectants used vary from sector to sector depending on the specific needs of each area, but they are all essential to maintain clean and safe environments in different professional contexts.

Cleaner and disinfectant:

A product detergent-disinfectant offers double functionality by combining both properties of cleaning and disinfection. These products are specially formulated to effectively clean surfaces by eliminating harmful microorganisms. In general, detergent-disinfectants have good disinfectant power but slightly lower detergency than conventional detergents. As a result, they are often used in situations where disinfection is necessary in addition to cleaning and generally do not require rinsing after use. This combination of properties makes them popular choices for maintaining clean and safe environments in a variety of professional settings.

Discover our range of detergents and disinfectants

The sectors

Human/Animal Health: In hospitals, clinics, dental practices, veterinary practices, etc., disinfectants often must meet stringent standards for antimicrobial efficacy and safety for patients, staff and animals. Broad-spectrum or specific disinfectants, such as e.g solutions based on chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium or alcoholare commonly used.

Large-scale distribution: Disinfectants used in mass distribution, such as supermarkets and retail stores, must be effective against common germs and bacteria while being safe for customers and staff. Based on disinfectant solutions quaternary ammonium, alcohol or bleach are often used.

Industries: In the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, disinfectants must comply with strict food safety and product quality regulations. Disinfectants used in these industries may include solutions based on hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium or other disinfectant agents approved by health authorities.

Agricultural operations: On farms, disinfection is essential to ensure the health and safety of livestock and crops. Agricultural disinfectants, available in different forms, sterilize unwanted and harmful microorganisms, thus protecting livestock from diseases. By using appropriate disinfectants on livestock surfaces, in drinking water and in yards, farmers help maintain a safe and healthy environment, thus promoting sustainable agricultural production.

Food : Disinfectants used in food preparation must be safe for human consumption and effective against food contaminants. Disinfectants approved by local health authorities, such as diluted bleach, hydrogen peroxide or quaternary ammonium solutions, they are often recommended.

Individuals: In homes, commonly used disinfectants include diluted bleach, alcohol-based solutions, disinfectant wipes and commercial disinfectant sprays. It is important to follow the use and safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Pools: Disinfectants used in swimming pools must be effective against bacteria, fungi and algae while being safe for swimmers. Chlorine and bromine they are the most commonly used disinfectants in public and private swimming pools.

It is critical to comply with local regulations and industry-specific safety standards when choosing and using disinfectants. Additionally, we recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and effective use of disinfectant products.

Regulations

According to European legislation, a biocide is defined as aimed at destroying, repelling or rendering harmful organisms harmless, either by physical or mechanical action other than simple action. European legislation classifies biocides into 22 types (TP), grouped into four main categories:

Disinfectants: These products are used in various contexts, ranging from hand hygiene with hydroalcoholic gels to the disinfection of drinking water with chlorine, through to the maintenance of floors with bleach, furniture, equipment and surfaces.

Protective products: This category includes products used to protect materials such as wood, leather, building materials, etc.

Pest Control Products: These products are intended to combat parasites such as mice, rats, birds, molluscs, fish, etc.

Other biocides: This category includes a variety of products, such as antifouling products on ship hulls, fluids used for embalming and taxidermy, etc. Plant protection products (pesticides) such as glyphosate are not considered biocides in the regulatory sense.

It is important to note that disinfectants have different uses, ranging from disinfection of skin after injuries with antiseptic products to disinfection of medical devices. However, shampoos, body washes, shaving foams and other cosmetic products are not considered disinfectants, even though they may contain preservatives. Similarly, laundry detergents and dishwashing products are not designed to have a biocidal effect and are therefore not classified as disinfectants.

The five types of biocides

The top five types of biocides include a wide range of products, from hand sanitizers to water sanitizers.

TP 1 – Human hygiene:

This type of biocidal product is designed to be applied to the human skin or scalp with the main purpose of disinfection. It includes common products such as hand sanitizers and antimicrobial hand hygiene lotions. Products for skin antisepsis, such as those available in pharmacies with the wording “Antiseptic”, are classified in this category according to the directive on pharmaceutical specialties.

Cosmetic products are not affected by the Biocidal Products Regulation. They are governed by cosmetic legislation and do not fall into this category. This includes shampoos and shower gels containing antibacterial chemicals such as triclosan, which are intended for cosmetic use rather than disinfection purposes under the Biocidal Products Regulation.

TP 2 – Disinfectants and algaecide products not intended for direct application on humans or animals:

This type of biocide includes products used to disinfect surfaces, materials, equipment and furniture, as well as to disinfect air, water not intended for human or animal consumption, chemical toilets, waste water, hospital waste and soil. Common examples include bleach (sodium hypochlorite), glutaraldehyde, and benzalkonium chloride (ABDAC). Products intended specifically for the disinfection of medical devices are not covered by the Biocidal Products Regulation. They are regulated by the Medical Devices Directive and are therefore not included in this category of the Biocidal Products Regulation.

TP 3 – Veterinary hygiene:

This type of biocide is intended for veterinary hygiene, including products such as disinfectants and disinfectant soaps, as well as oral or body hygiene products for animals. Also includes products used to disinfect materials and surfaces associated with the housing or transportation of animals. These products are essential to ensure the health and well-being of animals and help maintain clean and safe environments in veterinary facilities and animal transport locations.

TP 4 – Surfaces in contact with food and feed:

This type of biocide is specifically designed to disinfect equipment, cutlery, surfaces, etc., that are in contact with food or animal feed. These products are used in various contexts such as food production, transportation, storage or consumption. Common examples include “food sanitizer” products intended for institutional and commercial foodservice. Biocidal products used as protective products for food and feed are not included in this category and are regulated by other legislation.

TP 5 – Drinking water:

This type of biocidal product is intended to be used to disinfect drinking water. It includes products such as chlorine (Cl2), which is widely used to eliminate harmful microorganisms and ensure the microbiological safety of water intended for human consumption. These products are essential to guarantee the quality and safety of drinking water, thus contributing to protecting public health.