General Classification of Antiseptics, Disinfectants, and Sporicidal Agentsa
| Chemical Entity | Classification | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Aldehydes | Sporicidal agent | 2% Glutaraldehyde |
| Alcohols | General purpose disinfectant, antiseptic, antiviral agent | 70% Isopropyl alcohol, 70% alcohol |
| Chlorine and sodium hypochlorite | Sporicidal agent | 0.5% Sodium hypochlorite |
| Phenolics | General purpose disinfectant | 500 µg per gram Chlorocresol, 500 µg per gram chloroxylenol |
| Ozone | Sporicidal agent | 8% gas by weight |
| Hydrogen peroxide | Vapor phase sterilant, liquid sporicidal agent, antiseptic | 4 µg per gram H2O2 vapor, 10%–25% solution, 3% solution |
| Peracetic acid | Liquid sterilant, vapor phase sterilant | 0.2% Peracetic acid, 1 µg per gram peracetic acid |
| Quaternary ammonium compounds | General purpose disinfectant, antiseptic | Concentration dependent on application, Benzalkonium chloride |
↵a Table adapted from Reference 3.