Disinfectant

Disinfectants are chemical agents, (often called “cides”, as in germicide or virucide), considered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to be capable of destroying or permanently deactivating microorganisms, many of which are capable of causing infections. However, disinfectants may not necessarily have the same effect on spores created by the microorganisms. See also disinfection.

Disinfectants are one of three anti-microbial product categories registered by EPA for use in public health. See also Sanitizer and Sterilizer.