Final answer:
Chemical disinfectants are designed for disinfection on nonporous surfaces in non-critical environments and vary in effectiveness based on their germicidal activity. They inactivate most microbes but don't achieve sterilization. The effectiveness of a disinfectant is determined through tests and depends on several factors including contact time and concentration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemical disinfectants are designed for disinfection on nonporous surfaces and are suitable for use in non-critical environments. Disinfectants work by inactivating most microbes on surfaces, achieving microbial control without reaching sterilization. Natural disinfectants like vinegar, and chemical disinfectants, such as chlorine bleach and iodophors like povidone-iodine (Betadine), are commonly used in various settings, including salons.
Disinfectants vary in their effectiveness and are categorized differently based on their germicidal activity. High-level germicides, for example, kill a broad range of microbes including endospores and can lead to sterilization. In contrast, intermediate-level germicides are less effective against endospores, and low-level germicides mainly kill vegetative cells and certain viruses.
Calculating the effectiveness of a disinfectant on a surface often involves in-use tests such as the use-dilution test, which can determine if solutions are used correctly to disinfect clinical environments. Other factors that influence effectiveness include contact time, concentration, temperature, and the presence of organic matter.