Health Science | Disinfection Knowledge

Disinfection is to kill or remove pathogenic microorganisms on the transmission medium in order to prevent the spread of disease and ensure public health safety.

1. Disinfection methods

1. Physical disinfection method:

• High temperature disinfection: Use high temperature to denature and coagulate the proteins of pathogenic microorganisms and kill them. For example, boiling disinfection is a common method used in households. Boiling items in boiling water for more than 15 minutes can kill most bacteria and viruses. Steam disinfection is also an effective high temperature disinfection method, suitable for the disinfection of heat-resistant items.

• Ultraviolet disinfection: Ultraviolet rays can destroy the DNA structure of microorganisms, thereby achieving the purpose of disinfection. Ultraviolet disinfection is suitable for disinfection of air, water and the surface of objects, but ultraviolet rays are harmful to the human body to a certain extent, so care should be taken to avoid direct exposure when using it.

• Filtration disinfection: Remove microorganisms and particulate matter from the air through filters. Filtration disinfection is suitable for places with high requirements for air quality, such as hospital operating rooms, laboratories, etc.

2. Chemical disinfection:

• Chlorine-containing disinfectants: such as sodium hypochlorite (84 disinfectant), bleaching powder, etc., have a broad-spectrum bactericidal effect and have good disinfection effects on bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. When using chlorine-containing disinfectants, they should be diluted according to the instructions and be careful not to mix them with other cleaning agents to avoid the production of toxic gases.

• Alcohol disinfectants: such as ethanol (alcohol), 75% alcohol has the best disinfection effect. Alcohol disinfectants can be used to disinfect hands, skin and surfaces, but alcohol is flammable and should be used away from fire.

• Peroxide disinfectants: such as hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide), peracetic acid, etc., have strong oxidizing properties and have a strong killing effect on bacteria, viruses, spores, etc. Peroxide disinfectants are irritating and corrosive to a certain extent, and protection should be taken when using them.

2. Disinfection methods in different places

1. Home disinfection:

• Indoor air: You can reduce the concentration of indoor microorganisms by opening windows for ventilation. You can also use air purifiers or ultraviolet lamps for disinfection, but when using ultraviolet lamps, be careful to avoid direct exposure to the human body.

• Floors and furniture: They can be wiped and disinfected with chlorine-containing disinfectants or alcohol-based disinfectants. When disinfecting, be sure to dilute according to the instructions to avoid excessive concentrations that may cause harm to the human body and objects.

• Tableware: can be sterilized by boiling, steam or using a sterilizer.

• Clothes and bedding: They can be exposed to the sun and disinfected with ultraviolet rays. They can also be soaked and disinfected with chlorine-containing disinfectants or peroxide disinfectants, but care should be taken to dilute them according to the instructions to avoid damaging the clothes.

2. Disinfection of medical institutions:

• Wards, operating rooms, etc.: Usually disinfected by ultraviolet disinfection, chlorine-containing disinfectant wiping, fumigation, etc. Medical institutions should select appropriate disinfection methods and disinfectants according to different places and disinfection objects, and operate in strict accordance with disinfection specifications.

• Medical devices: The main methods for sterilizing medical devices include high temperature sterilization, chemical sterilization, radiation sterilization, etc. Different medical devices should choose appropriate sterilization methods according to their materials and uses.

3. Disinfection of public places:

• Shopping malls, supermarkets, stations, etc.: Regularly wipe and disinfect the floor, handrails, elevator buttons, etc., and strengthen ventilation. Public places should reasonably arrange disinfection time and frequency according to the flow of people and frequency of use.

• Public toilets: Use chlorine-containing disinfectants to disinfect toilets, wash basins, etc. to keep them clean and hygienic. Public toilets should be ventilated to reduce odor and microbial growth.

3. Precautions for disinfection

1. Choose a suitable disinfectant: Choose a suitable disinfectant according to the object and purpose of disinfection, and pay attention to the scope of application, concentration and usage of the disinfectant.

2. Use disinfectants correctly: dilute and use them strictly according to the instructions to avoid overdose or improper use that may lead to poisoning and other adverse consequences.

3. Pay attention to personal protection: When performing disinfection operations, you should wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves to prevent disinfectants from causing harm to the human body.

4. Avoid excessive disinfection: Excessive disinfection will not only waste resources, but may also have adverse effects on the environment and human health. Scientific and reasonable disinfection should be carried out according to actual conditions.

5. Pay attention to the storage of disinfectants: Disinfectants should be stored in a cool, dry, ventilated place, away from fire and children. Different types of disinfectants should be stored separately to avoid mixing.

In short, disinfection is one of the important means to prevent the spread of disease, but when disinfecting, appropriate methods and disinfectants should be selected, and the instructions should be strictly followed, paying attention to personal protection and avoiding excessive disinfection.