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Which of the following is a sterilizing agent? 39) ______

A) ozone and hydrogen peroxide
B) peracetic acid
C) dish soap
D) ozone
E) hydrogen peroxide

User MrMister
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Final answer:

Ozone and hydrogen peroxide are the sterilizing agents listed, effective as oxidizing agents and used for broad-spectrum microbial control.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sterilizing agent among the options provided is A) ozone and hydrogen peroxide. Both ozone and hydrogen peroxide are powerful oxidizing agents that serve as environmentally safe alternatives for microbial control. They produce free radicals that damage cell macromolecules, making them effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including vegetative cells and endospores. Hydrogen peroxide, specifically, is widely used as a household disinfectant; it is inexpensive and decomposes into water and oxygen gas. It is recognized by the FDA as a safe antimicrobial agent and can be used in various concentrations and forms, including vapor for room sterilization.

User Jorie
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