Final answer:
To effectively disinfect surfaces, sanitizer must remain on the surface for at least 60 seconds, and factors like presence of organic matter can affect its efficacy. Antiseptics, not disinfectants, are suitable for use on living tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
To be effective, sanitizer must remain on a surface for a minimum of 60 seconds. This time frame ensures proper disinfection by allowing the sanitizer to maintain contact with the surface, killing the bacteria and viruses that may be present. However, the specific time can vary based on the sanitizer's formula, so always read the product label for the manufacturer's recommendations. When considering sanitizers for tissues in medical settings, an antiseptic is more suitable than a disinfectant because it is safe for use on living tissues to prevent infection.
Factors that can compromise the effectiveness of a disinfecting agent include the presence of organic material, such as bodily fluids or biofilms, and environmental conditions like temperature. According to historical comparisons, the effectiveness of chemical disinfectants was benchmarked against phenol, a standard disinfectant. It is crucial for the sanitizer to have sufficient contact time to penetrate and eliminate microbes effectively.