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Which dilution of hydrogen peroxide would not be a broad-spectrum and sporicidal disinfectant?

a) 1:10
b) 1:50
c) 1:100
d) 1:500

User Alecnash
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The dilution of hydrogen peroxide that would not be a broad-spectrum and sporicidal disinfectant is 1:500. Higher concentrations and longer exposure are required for sporicidal activity, and the significant reduction of concentration in a 1:500 dilution would not suffice.

Step-by-step explanation:

The dilution of hydrogen peroxide that would not be considered a broad-spectrum and sporicidal disinfectant is 1:500. Hydrogen peroxide is commonly sold as a 3% by volume solution for use as a disinfectant. It is known to produce free radicals that damage cellular macromolecules and is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and endospores.

However, its sporicidal and broad-spectrum efficiency depends on the concentration and length of exposure. To achieve sporicidal activity, high concentrations (10 to 30%) and longer contact times are required. In lower concentrations, microbes with catalase or peroxidase enzymes may also exhibit tolerance to hydrogen peroxide.

Given this information, a dilution of 1:50 or 1:100 might still maintain some disinfectant properties; however, a dilution of 1:500 would significantly reduce the peroxide concentration, effectively rendering it insufficiently potent to act as a broad-spectrum or sporicidal agent.

User ValentiGoClimb
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