Final answer:
The purpose of degerming is to reduce microbial load on the skin or tissues by using mild chemicals and does not eliminate microbes. The effectiveness of disinfectants can be influenced by their concentration, presence of organic matter, exposure duration, temperature, and pH.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of degerming is to reduce the microbial load on the skin or tissues. This is achieved through gentle to firm scrubbing along with the use of mild chemicals such as soap. Degerming does not eliminate microbes; instead, it removes most of them from the surface. For instance, washing hands with soap is a common form of degerming that significantly lowers the chance of transmitting pathogenic microbes.
Factors that can alter the effectiveness of a disinfectant include the concentration of the disinfectant, the presence of organic matter, the duration of exposure, temperature, and pH. These factors can either enhance or hinder the ability of the disinfectant to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Hence, it is critical to consider these factors to ensure effective disinfection, particularly in environments such as hospitals where sterilization of medical equipment is necessary to prevent infections.