Halogens are a group of elements in the periodic table, including fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. They are commonly used as disinfectants and antiseptics due to their ability to kill or inhibit microbial growth.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Halogens like chlorine and iodine are widely used in water treatment to control microbial contamination.
Iodine is often used in medical settings for skin disinfection before surgery.
Chlorine bleach is a common household disinfectant that kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Halogens exert their antimicrobial effects by denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes of microorganisms.
Overuse of halogen-based disinfectants can lead to the development of resistant strains of microorganisms.
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Related terms
Disinfectant: A chemical agent used to destroy or inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms on surfaces.