Which term matches the definition: A chemical substance that kills harmful bacteria or viruses?

Which term matches the definition: A chemical substance that kills harmful bacteria or viruses?

• A. Botulism
• B. Disinfectant
• C. Nutrition
• D. Product recall

Answer: (B)

Disinfectant is a chemical substance used on surfaces to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, helping prevent the spread of illness. It targets pathogens on inanimate objects like countertops, doorknobs, and equipment, reducing or eliminating their presence. This differs from antiseptics, which are safe for living tissue and used on skin or wounds, and from sanitizers, which lower microbial numbers to safe levels rather than killing all pathogens. The other options refer to a disease caused by a toxin, a general term for nutrients, or a safety action to remove a product from the market, none of which match the definition.

Disinfectant is a chemical substance used on surfaces to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, helping prevent the spread of illness. It targets pathogens on inanimate objects like countertops, doorknobs, and equipment, reducing or eliminating their presence. This differs from antiseptics, which are safe for living tissue and used on skin or wounds, and from sanitizers, which lower microbial numbers to safe levels rather than killing all pathogens. The other options refer to a disease caused by a toxin, a general term for nutrients, or a safety action to remove a product from the market, none of which match the definition.