Comparing Surface Disinfectants

Chlorine Dioxide

Alcohol

Formaldehyde

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Peracetic Acid

Overview

Chlorine Dioxide is used for a variety of antimicrobial uses, including surface and drinking water disinfection

“Alcohol” refers to two water-soluble chemical compounds—ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol—that are germicidal

Formaldehyde is used as a disinfectant and sterilant in both its liquid and gaseous states.

The quaternary ammonium compounds are widely used as disinfectants. 

Peracetic, or peroxyacetic, acid is characterized by rapid action against all microorganisms. 

Mode of Action

Denaturation of proteins

Denaturation of proteins

Inactivates microorganisms by alkylating the amino and sulfhydral groups of proteins and ring nitrogen atoms of purine bases

Inactivation of energy-producing enzymes, denaturation of proteins, and disruption of the cell membrane

Denaturation of proteins

Bactericidal

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Bacteriostatic

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Mycobacterial

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Fungicidal

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Virucidal

Yes

Yes

Yes

Only Against Lipophilic Viruses

Yes

Sporicidal

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Corrosive

To Materials

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Harmful When Exposed to Humans

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

Carcinogen

No

No

Yes

No

No

Eco-Friendly

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes