ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on disinfectants used in cleanrooms and other controlled areas for surface disinfection, which is necessary for maintaining contamination control. It considers the different types of chemicals that are available as disinfection agents; the process for their selection; their application; and how they are to be qualified through disinfectant efficacy testing. All disinfectants are biocides; biocide is an umbrella terms of antimicrobial agents. The US Environmental Protection Agency defines biocides as “a diverse group of poisonous substances including preservatives, insecticides, disinfectants, and pesticides used for the control of organisms that are harmful to human or animal health or that cause damage to natural or manufactured products”. Ensuring that surfaces are regularly disinfected and that the numbers of bacteria present are kept to a minimum is of great importance. However, most disinfectants are only effective when used in conjunction with a detergent.
