Final answer:
The benefit of using a complex phenol solution for disinfection is that they leave no residue. Despite their effectiveness as disinfectants, phenolics are toxic and not known for a pleasant smell. The phenol coefficient compares the effectiveness of a disinfectant to phenol.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the benefits of using a complex phenol solution for disinfection is that they leave no residue. Phenolics are known to be stable, long-acting disinfectants that not only denature proteins but also disrupt membranes. These properties make them a popular choice in household cleaners, mouthwashes, and hospital disinfectants. Although phenolics have many benefits when it comes to disinfection, they are not known for a pleasant odor and, more importantly, they are toxic to humans and can cause severe burns if applied to the skin or be a systemic poison if they enter the bloodstream.
The effectiveness of chemical disinfectants has historically been compared to that of phenol. A chemical disinfectant with a phenol coefficient greater than 1.0 signifies that it is more effective than phenol. For instance, chloramine is much more effective than phenol, as indicated by its high phenol coefficient. As for determining whether a surface has been effectively disinfected, methods such as swabbing surfaces before and after the use of a disinfectant help confirm the maintenance of a sterile field.