List of active ingredients for general disinfection

The release date (19 April 2023)

In line with the transition to DORSCON Green, the lists of disinfectant products against coronaviruses have been replaced with a list of common active ingredients that can be used for general disinfection, including COVID-19 virus (Table 1).

Table 1. List of common active ingredients for general disinfection

Active Ingredient	Examples	Remarks
Alcohols	Ethanol Isopropanol	Typical working concentration: 60% – 90% Flammable at high concentration. Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces May be less effective against harder to kill pathogens
Quaternary ammonium compounds	Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride	Typical working concentration: 0.05% - 1.0% Commonly used for general cleaning May be less effective against harder to kill pathogens
Sodium hypochlorite or active chlorine generated from other precursors	Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC)] Calcium hypochlorite Sodium tosylchloramide Trichloroisocyanuric acid	Typical working concentration: 0.05% - 0.5% Corrosive to metals, wipe away residues with wet cloth after required contact time Effective and fast acting against a broad spectrum of pathogens

Important points to note when using disinfectants:

1. Check the labels and use according to instructions.

2. Be aware of the potential hazard of each product. Avoid contact with eyes and skin when handling disinfectant products and keep them away from children.

3. Do not mix different disinfectant products and use in a well-ventilated area.

4. For disinfection of highly contaminated surfaces or materials, avoid the use of spray, and allow appropriate contact time needed for disinfection.