Final answer:
Intermediate-level germicides are generally used for disinfecting nonlipid, small viruses, as they are capable of destroying various microbes, including many viruses, but may not be effective against all viruses and bacterial endospores.
Step-by-step explanation:
The level of disinfection required for nonlipid, small viruses pertains to the use of chemical disinfectants that are classified according to their efficacy against various microbes and infectious agents. For nonlipid, small viruses, intermediate-level germicides are often adequate, as they can destroy various types of microbes including many viruses.
However, these intermediate-level germicides might not be effective against all viruses and are less effective against bacterial endospores. Unlike high-level germicides, which can kill vegetative cells, fungi, viruses, and endospores, and are capable of leading to sterilization, intermediate-level disinfectants ensure a lesser degree of microbial inactivation. The effectiveness of a disinfectant is influenced by factors such as exposure time, concentration, temperature, and the presence of organic matter.