Disinfection
Disinfection or decontamination is an activity that includes various methods and means for the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms in the external environment.
Pollution of the living environment is a dangerous source of various diseases for humans and animals. It is an impact that disrupts the natural environment.
In the narrow sense of the word, disinfection is a basic measure for the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms in the external environment and for excluding the possibility of their transmission. It is an important anti-epidemiological and anti-epizootic measure that has daily application.
It is prophylactic and is carried out systematically and forced or so-called focal disinfection is carried out in order to destroy microorganisms in the external environment that surround the source of infection.
Mechanism of action of disinfectants
In order to carry out quality disinfection, the mechanism of action of disinfectants must be known. They differ greatly in the way they act, some have a microbicidal effect, others destroy pathogenic microorganisms, and still others have a microbicidal effect. The disinfectant contains an active ingredient and auxiliary gradients, whose role is to create conditions for maximum action of the active substance. There are a number of requirements for disinfectants to meet, and they are also applied in the form of different formulations. The effectiveness is influenced by a number of factors such as concentration, temperature, environmental conditions, and the type of microorganisms.
For disinfection to be effective, three conditions must be met in practice:
– The objects must be thoroughly cleaned
– The disinfectant must be chosen accurately
– The disinfectant must be applied correctly
Poor quality disinfection is much more dangerous than incomplete disinfection. Control ensures a real effect of the work performed.
Disinfection is a three-way process that includes three units:
– Disinfectants
– Pathogenic microorganisms
– External environment
Disinfection objects
Not only inanimate objects of the external environment are subjected to disinfection, but also living organisms. The external environment has a great impact on the disinfection process through its factors – temperature, humidity, pH, presence or absence of inorganic or organic contamination, etc. Microorganisms, with their resistance to environmental factors, are an important factor in the disinfection process.