2-19. CHEMICAL AGENTS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR STERILIZATION
a. General. There are several chemical agents used in the past for sterilization
that are not currently recommended for use by the Center for Disease Control (CDC),
the American Dental Association (ADA), or U.S. Army TB MED 266. For a summary,
see figure 2-3.
CHEMICAL
DISINFECTANT
STERILANT
DISADVANTAGES
CLASSIFICATION
No. May be
1:213 dilution
May discolor items if
Iodophors
used as a
10 minutes
mixed incorrectly.
(1% iodine)
cleanser.
20C (68F)
Not a cleanser;
Some must be
corrosive to
diluted; some
instruments; caustic
No.
used at full
Glutaraldehydes
to skin; immersion
strength. Reuse if
use only.
possible.
Chlorine
Corrosive;strong
6 hours
Varies
1. Chlorine dioxide
odor
Corrosive;strong
No
1:10 dilution
2. Sodium
odor
hyperchlorite
May damage
Phenols: Complex or
Varies
No
plastics; irritates
Synthetic
skin/eyes.
Alcohol
No
No
1. Isopropyl
To be used as
cleanser only.
No
No
2. Ethyl
Quaternary
Not effective.
No
No
Ammonium
Not for dental use.
Compounds
Figure 2-3. Chemical agents.
MD0509
2-12