Concentration and Type of Chemical Agent

Soaps, form films that are hard to rinse especially in hard water, which contains
high concentrations of calcium and magnesium mineral salts. Detergents contain
synthetic surfactant molecules with both polar and nonpolar regions that have strong
cleansing activity but are more soluble, even in hard water, leaving behind no soapy
deposits. Anionic detergents, such as those used for laundry, have a negatively charged
anion at one end attached to a long hydrophobic chain, whereas cationic detergents have
a positively charged cation instead. Cationic detergents include an important class of
disinfectants and antiseptics called the quaternary ammonium salts. Quaternary
ammonium compounds (QACs, also called 'quats') are usually unscented, colorless,
nonirritating, and refreshing. They have detergent action, and are good disinfectants.
They are futile against viruses, spores and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Inactivation of
energy producing enzymes, denaturation of essential cell proteins, and disruption of the
cell membrane are the mode of action of these compounds. There are many different
QACs found in disinfectants or cleaning products. The most commonly used QAC
disinfectants are the benzalkonium chlorides, also known as alkyl dimethyl benzyl
ammonium.

The concentration of benzalkonium chloride in disinfectants and cleaning supplies

is usually between 0.01 and 1%, but can be as high as 5%. Concentrated solutions used
for mixing can contain 25% or more. Other QACs in cleaning supplies and disinfectants
have similar concentrations.

Another chemical agent used is the pine oil. Pine oil, which was historically
obtained by distillation of pitch-filled pine wood, cones or needles, is now prepared
synthetically. It is a clear, colourless or amber- coloured liquid, with a characteristic
odour. If used alone, it is insoluble in water and is therefore usually emulsified with
soaps, or mixed with detergents or other compounds. It is more effective as a general
disinfectant when applied hot.

Longstanding uncertainty exists with regard to the antimicrobial efficacy of pure

pine oil. In mixtures, it may be a valuable hygienic adjunct, if only for the warning
created by its characteristic smell.