Biocide
Biocide
Biocide (/ˈbaɪ.ə.saɪd/), derived from the Latin words 'bio' meaning life and 'caedere' meaning to kill, is a chemical substance or microorganism intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by chemical or biological means.
Etymology
The term "biocide" is derived from the Latin words 'bio' meaning life and 'caedere' meaning to kill. It was first used in the early 20th century to describe substances that could kill a wide range of living organisms.
Types of Biocides
Biocides can be classified into two main categories:
- Chemical Biocides: These are synthetic substances that can kill or inhibit the growth of living organisms. They include substances like pesticides, herbicides, and antibiotics.
- Biological Biocides: These are living organisms or their by-products that can kill or inhibit the growth of other harmful organisms. They include organisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Uses of Biocides
Biocides are widely used in various industries for different purposes. Some of the common uses include:
- Water Treatment: Biocides are used to control the growth of harmful organisms in water systems.
- Food Industry: They are used to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms in food products.
- Healthcare: Biocides are used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
- Agriculture: They are used to protect crops from pests and diseases.
Safety and Regulation
The use of biocides is regulated by various international and national agencies to ensure their safe and effective use. These include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in the European Union.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Biocide
- Wikipedia's article - Biocide
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