Biological Safety: Disinfection

Disinfection refers to the elimination of virtually all pathogenic organisms on inanimate objects and surfaces, reducing the level of microbial contamination to a safe level.

When choosing a disinfectant one should consider:

  • the organism or virus
  • item to be disinfected
  • hazardous properties of the disinfectant
  • cost and ease of use of the disinfectant.

EHS provides a list of commonly-used laboratory disinfectants for surface cleaning, along with their properties, hazards and optimal applications.

Staff

Halina Staniszewska
Sr. Lab Safety Specialist
609-258-9527