What are biocidal substances?

A biocide is a chemical substance, mixture, or microorganism intended to control any harmful organism in a way that is not purely physical or mechanical.

What is the active ingredient in biocide?

When added in small amounts to pool water or industrial water systems, the chlorine atoms hydrolyze from the rest of the molecule forming hypochlorous acid (HOCl) which acts as a general biocide killing germs, micro-organisms, algae, and so on. Halogenated hydantoin compounds are also used as biocides.

Is ethanol a biocide?

Ethanol is one example and is included in the biocidal product disinfectant. There are 22 biocidal product types determined by the specific use of the product (for example, Product Type 14 – biocidal rodenticides).

Are biocides harmful to humans?

Biocides pose a particular risk to pregnant women, unborn life, small children, or people with serious chronic illness. Health hazards caused by disinfectants or other dangerous biocides include effects on skin, eyes, respiratory system, nervous system, and other organs.

What is a biocides in water treatment?

A biocide is a chemical treatment that is formulated to effectively control microbial growth. Problems caused by un-controlled microbial growth can range from health hazards, the breakdown of chemicals, the development of biofilms , heat transfer losses, restriction of flow and under deposit corrosion.

What is biocide used for?

Biocides are used to decontaminate the skin of patients and health professionals, any surfaces that could harbour bacteria, and any instruments in contact with patients. Biocides are also used as antiseptics to treat infections in mucous membranes and damaged skin.

Is bleach a biocide?

For example, bleach and other biocides destroy living organisms such as mold, but they do not prevent future mold growth. Also, dead mold still may cause an allergic reaction in some people, so killing the mold is not enough; it must be removed.

Are biocides safe to use?