How do biocides act?
Bacteria can be killed or inhibited by different antimicrobial products, namely antibiotics that act against infections in humans or animals and biocides such as disinfectants, antiseptics and preservatives. According to the Biocides Directive (98/8/EC), biocidal products are intended to destroy, render harmless, prevent the action of, or otherwise exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by chemical or biological means. The 23 product types covered by the directive range from drinking water disinfectants, through wood preservatives and insecticides, to antifouling products (see full table). Table: 23 Biocidal products listed in Annex V of the Biocides Directive (98/8/EC) Only biocidal products that act against bacteria are the focus of this assessment and not biocides used to control other micro-organisms such as fungi, protozoans, plants or other animals. More…
