Question

How do antiseptics differ from disinfectants ? Give one example of each.

Answer 1

Antiseptic are applied to wounds,cuts,diseased skin surfaces or we can simply say that applied on living tissues.Ex-Bithionl (bithional) used in soaps to provide antiseptic also dettol the most famous one is an antiseptic mixture of chloroxylenol and terpineol.  Where as Disinfectant are applied to objects that we usually use or we can say inanimate object like floor,instruments,toys etc.Ex-Chlorine in the concentration of 0.2 to 0.4ppm in aq. Solution and sulphur dioxide in very low concentration.

--- some time disinfectant can act as antiseptic by varying there concentration.Ex-0.2% solution of phenol is an antiseptic while it's 1% solution is disinfectant.