Final answer:
FDA registered products used to clean surfaces and reduce microbial load are known as disinfectants or sanitizers. Disinfection does not result in sterility but decreases the number of microbes to safe levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
FDA registered products used to reduce the microbial load on various surfaces like countertops, sinks, floors, doorknobs, mirrors, and facial beds through cleaning and sanitization are typically called disinfectants or sanitizers. Disinfection is the process of inactivating most microbes on the surface of a fomite using antimicrobial chemicals or heat. However, the process does not guarantee sterility, as certain hardy microorganisms such as endospores may survive.
The use and effectiveness of these substances are regulated by the FDA, which has banned the use of some due to health concerns.
It's important to adopt correct in-use testing to ensure that disinfectant solutions are utilized properly, especially in clinical settings. Some common disinfectants include quaternary ammonium compounds found in some industrial-strength cleaners and detergents with phosphates. Sanitization protocols in hospital rooms and food service industries delineate the crucial role of disinfectants in maintaining public health.
An example of a naturally occurring disinfectant is vinegar, due to its acidity. The effectiveness of various antiseptics and disinfectants like antibacterial dish soaps, hand sanitizers, and mouthwashes can be assessed using sterile blank filter paper disks, with their respective phenol coefficients indicating effectiveness compared to phenol. The FDA regulates these chemicals and has banned the use of certain chemicals like triclosan, due to safety and efficacy concerns.