Final answer:
The desired properties of an ideal disinfectant are being non-corrosive, odorless, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. Antiseptics are suitable for tissue application, whereas disinfectants are for nonliving surfaces. Phenol was once a basis for comparing disinfectant effectiveness, and hydrogen peroxide is a popular, eco-friendly household disinfectant.
Step-by-step explanation:
Properties of an Ideal Disinfectant
The properties that are desirable for an ideal disinfectant include being non-corrosive, potentially odorless, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. While being volatile might have some applications in terms of quick evaporation to avoid residue, it is not always considered a necessary or desirable trait for a disinfectant because it could also imply health risks if inhaled and a shorter shelf-life. Disinfectants with these properties would be safe to use on various surfaces, would not damage materials or equipment, would not result in strong odors that could be bothersome or hazardous, would be cost-effective for regular use, and would not harm the environment through toxicity or pollution.
An antiseptic is suitable for use on tissues for microbial control to prevent infection, unlike a disinfectant which is usually used on nonliving surfaces. The effectiveness of chemical disinfectants has historically been compared to that of phenol, which was once commonly used as a standard. Hydrogen peroxide is an example of a peroxygen widely used as a household disinfectant, as it is inexpensive and breaks down into water and oxygen gas, thus being environmentally friendly.
Compounds from soil have yielded significant antimicrobial activity, and although heavy metals like mercury have been used as preservatives and disinfectants, they are now less favorable due to their toxicity and environmental risks. Halogens, particularly iodine and chlorine, are commonly used for disinfection.