Many words in the English language may have seemingly similar meanings, but this does not mean that you can use these words interchangeably. Venomous and poisonous do not have the same definition, so it’s important to know which word to use when.
Similarly, many of the terms that you may encounter related to decontamination have distinctly different meanings. You may hear about them in the same sphere, like the medical field or in the realm of cleaning products. You want to make sure that you are using the right term when you mean to say a certain thing.
For instance, disinfection and sterilization are not the same. Disinfection refers to eliminating most microorganisms, while sterilization refers to eliminating all microorganisms. If you disinfect something, you might get it reasonably “clean,” but there may still be some leftover bacteria. If you sterilize something, on the other hand, you have destroyed all forms of microbial life.
And what about the exact products that you are using to disinfect or sterilize? They are mostly classified not based on their core ingredients, per se; rather, the different names for germicides are based on the surfaces where you would intend to apply these various chemicals.
A disinfectant is usually used on inanimate objects and other surfaces. You may use a disinfectant (like bleach) on a counter-top, for example. By contrast, an antiseptic is used mostly on skin and other “living” tissue. Rubbing alcohol is a good example of an antiseptic. You would never use a sterilant to cleanse an open wound or clean up an oil spill; that’s because (as per above) a sterilant will destroy all microorganisms. As such, they are used primarily on scientific instruments and related devices.
Sometimes, choosing the right word to use under the right circumstances is really just a matter of semantics. One term may not be any more correct than the alternative. That’s not the case with these words related to decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization.
If you want your meaning to be clear, your choice of words must also be accurate and appropriate.
I was thinking about your example while contemplating the insulin that the doctor wants me to take. I have to disinfect the area of the skin I am going insert the needle that comes packaged as a sterile instrument.
I wanted to add that every time I see the Thinker and the “I’m Thinking” caption I think about “Night at the Museum – Smithsonian”. Classic guy just sitting there, looking like he knows what he’s doing.
“Life is nothing but an illusion”
Maybe it’s because he *doesn’t* know what he’s doing that he’s thinking so much?