Microorganism control is critical for preventing disease transmission and infection, stopping deterioration and spoilage, and avoiding undesirable microbial contamination. There are numerous methods employed in countering the growth of microorganisms today. The techniques are divided into two categories: physical control and chemical control. Osmotic pressure, radiation, desiccation, high or low temperature, and filtration are physical control methods (Kaiser, 2021). At the same time, chemical control techniques include the use of antiseptics, chemotherapeutic antimicrobial chemicals, disinfectants, and antibiotics.
The difference between sterilization and disinfection is that sterilization is the procedure of killing all microorganisms, whereas disinfection is the act of removing or reducing hazardous microorganisms from inanimate items and surfaces. Sterilization also kills spores of numerous organisms that may be found on surfaces, in medication, liquids, or compounds like biological growth media. Decontamination of this severe kind is required during important periods, such as surgery or in places such as laboratories. Using disinfection in daily life is more practical. Antiseptics and disinfectants control infections and kill microorganisms like fungi, bacteria, and viruses (Brennan, 2021). Microorganisms on the skin are destroyed by antiseptics, while disinfectants kill germs on nonliving surfaces.
Lysol, Dettol, Ariel, Harpic, and bleach are the different types of disinfectants located in my household. The Lysol brand of disinfecting and cleaning is the product under investigation in this report. Lysol disinfectant kills germs, viruses, and dirt and soot that cause odors. The disinfectant has the duty to remove odor-causing microorganisms, the common cold virus, everyday dust, and challenging problems. The active ingredient in the disinfectant includes the benzalkonium chloride of 0.10% and acts as an antibacterial agent (“Lysol disinfectant spray,” n.d.). Furthermore, the active compound is effective in surface and hand sanitization. The Lysol brand has several inactive ingredients, including glycerin, citric acid, water, propylene glycol, cetrimonium chloride, and lauramine oxide (“Lysol disinfectant spray,” n.d.).
The benzalkonium chloride material is a quaternary ammonium compound that belongs to the chemical class of disinfectants and is extensively employed to control pathogenic fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms on walls and floors (“Chemical disinfectants,” n.d.). In the medical field, quaternary ammonium compound is used to disinfect equipment. Furthermore, the compound acts as a sanitizing agent and plays a significant role in protecting individuals against contracting the viruses during viral pandemics.
Numerous disinfectants are employed for disinfection and sanitization in the biopharmaceutical field. They have various antimicrobial features based on their action style. Different modes of action from multiple disinfectants are crucial in preventing the growth of the resistance in bacteria. Lysol disinfectants work by attacking the cytoplasmic cell walls or the entire cytoplasm itself to kill germs (“Lysol touch of foam,” n.d.). An antimicrobial agent acts on a bacterial cell by first adhering to its surfaces and then penetrating the cellular membranes to reach its target areas.
The disinfectant is used to clean and sanitize hands and numerous surfaces such as door handles, tables, and walls in my household. The manufacturer’s instructions require that Lysol disinfectant spray cans be held in an upright manner of about six to eight inches from the surface. In addition, the spray should be applied to a pre-clean surface and sprayed for three to four seconds until the cleaning area is covered with mist. When sanitizing, a surface must be left wet for approximately ten seconds then allowed to air dry; during disinfection, however, the areas must remain wet for about three minutes and left to air dry (“Lysol disinfectant spray,” n.d.). According to the manufacturer’s directions on usage, it is evident that I underuse the product, thus denying it to be effective.
The disinfectant is effective, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it protected my household against the deadly virus. I wash my hands thoroughly with Lysol each time I enter the house, and I believe it is because of this that I have not contracted the coronavirus. Moreover, I rarely contract flu and cold since the disinfectant kills the illness-causing germs; therefore, Lysol is an excellent product. Forms of fungi such as mildew and mold that grow in the bathroom are toxic and dangerous to health (Kerr, 2020). However, spraying Lysol on the bathroom walls kills molds and mildew, proving very effective.
The chemicals used in Lysol disinfectants can be treacherous to human health when utilized inaccurately. Mixing the Lysol with other cleaning products or spraying oneself or others with the product are a few scenarios of countless manners of misusing cleaning products. While using the disinfectant, the area should be well ventilated so that the harmful toxic fumes go out and you do not inhale them (Kerr, 2020). Lysol is designed for surfaces and should not be used on the body of humans or animals as its consequences might be detrimental. Once children’s toys are disinfected, they should be rinsed well with flowing water. Consuming Lysol is prohibited since it is poisonous and will have adverse effects on the body and death (Kerr, 2020).
In conclusion, I will follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the maximum effectiveness of Lysol in the household. From my research, I have learned to let the surface remain wet for approximately three minutes and air dry. This is contrary to what I do: spray and wipe immediately, thereby denying the disinfectant to function successfully. When spraying, the Lysol bottle will be held about six inches to the surface to minimize the risk of the product splashing back to my face. I will change how I use the disinfectant for better results and reduce risk to my health.
References
Brennan, D. (2021). Difference between disinfectants and antiseptics. Web MD.
Chemical disinfectants. (n.d.). Infection control.
Kaiser, G. (2021). An overview to control of microorganisms. Libre Texts.
Kerr, J. (2020). Cleaning your home: Good. Accidentally poisoning yourself: Bad. The New York Times.
Lysol disinfectant spray. (n.d.). Lysol.
Lysol touch of foam. (n.d.). Daily med.