Final answer:
Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances safe for use on living tissues, notably different from disinfectants, which are used on inanimate objects. Joseph Lister's historical use of phenol marked the importance of antisepsis in surgery, leading to the development of safer antimicrobial chemicals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antiseptics are a type of antimicrobial substance that are safe for use on living tissues to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Examples of antiseptics include hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl alcohol. The concept of using antiseptics in medical practices became significantly prominent when Joseph Lister began employing carbolic acid (phenol) as a surgical antiseptic in 1867, dramatically reducing the rates of post-surgical infections.
Antisepsis involves applying these substances to living skin or tissues during medical procedures to prevent infection. Unlike disinfectants, antiseptics must not damage tissues while effectively controlling microbial contamination. These measures are part of infection control and are especially relevant in healthcare settings where the prevention of disease transmission is critical.
While phenol was the first widely used antiseptic, it was found to be toxic, leading to the development of safer alternatives. Now, a variety of chemicals such as surfactants, quaternary ammonium compounds, and other compounds are used for sanitizing instruments and surfaces to ensure patient health and safety.