Thursday's Ask the Experts: Disinfectant vs. pesticide
November 19, 2009
Thursday''s Ask the Experts question from a cleaning professional on the International Custodial Advisors Network (ICAN) "Ask the Experts" page: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), what is the difference between a pesticide and a disinfectant?
The answer:
The EPA defines disinfectants as anti-microbial pesticides, whereas a common pesticide is used to control insects and rodents without regard for bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms.
The official definitions are:
- Disinfectant - A chemical that destroys vegetative forms of harmful microorganisms, but does not ordinarily kill bacterial spores.
- Pesticide - Substances intended to... — Lynn E. Krafft, ICAN/ATEX editor
