Biocide(s)

Definition:

According to the Biocides Directive (98/8/EC), biocidal products are those that 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. Examples include disinfectants, preservatives, antiseptics, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides.

Biocidal products mentioned in the Biocides Directive are listed in the following table:

Source: GreenFacts, based on the Biocides Directive (98/8/EC) 

More:

Biocidal products targeting bacteria include:

  • Disinfectants used on inanimate objects or intact skin to reduce the number of micro-organisms. Disinfectants are classified as low, medium or high-level disinfectants, depending on how many types of micro-organisms they kill. High-level disinfectants are called chemical sterilants.
  • Antiseptics used to treat infections in surface wounds. They are distinguished from antibiotics which can destroy bacteria within the body.
  • Preservatives added to products, such as cosmetics, food, animal feeds or household products, for the primary purpose of inhibiting the growth of micro-organisms.

Source: GreenFacts, based on the  SCENIHR opinion on Antibiotic Resistance Effects of Biocides

Related words:

Antibiotics - Antimicrobial - Ethylmercury - Methylmercury - Phenylmercury

To read about this term in context:

GreenFacts Summary on Effects of Biocides on antibiotic resistance

Translation(s):

Deutsch: Biozide
Español: Biocida(s)
Français: Biocides

Related publications: