Question

Differentiate between disinfectants and antiseptics.

Answer 1

Antisepics are used on living tissues to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms. It does not cause any harm to the living tissues e.g, 0.2% solution of phenol.
Disinfectants are used on non-living objects to kill the micro-organisms. They are harmful to the living tissues and cannot be applied to the skin e.g. 1% solution of phenol.

Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms; it is less effective than sterilization, which is an extreme physical and/or chemical process that kills all types of life.