Disinfectants.... What do you really know about these common products? Are all disinfectants created equally? What does the statement "kills 99.9% of common household germs" really mean? When asked, most people, including many health professionals, believe that any product labeled as a "disinfectant" will kill all organisms on a surface. Many people are unaware that the statement "kills 99.9% of common household germs" refers only to the germs / micro-organisms listed on the product label. Disinfectant formulations vary widely in their claims and efficacy. Some very common and popular products may not be quite as effective in their disinfecting capabilities as you think. Find out how much you really know about some of the more common disinfectants found in industrial and retail markets. Take the quiz below by clicking on the button next to the answer you think is correct. 1. All micro-organisms that a disinfectant/sanitizer claims to be effective against must be shown on the product label. a. True b. False 2. A leading consumer branded pine oil disinfectant states that it kills germs. Based on the actual number of kill claims found on the label, how many 'germs' does it kill? a. 11 - 15 germs b. 5 - 10 germs c. Less than 5 germs 3. A consumer branded cleaner with bleach lists how many organisms on its label? a. 11 - 20 organisms b. 5 -10 organisms c. Less than 5 organisms 4. Which of the following products are effective against all of the following common organisms: MRSA, VRE, HBC, HBV, E.coli 0157:H7, Trichophyhyon Mentagrophytes (athletes foot/ringworm)? a. Household bleach b. A consumer branded anti-bacterial kitchen cleaner c. A leading consumer branded pine oil cleaner d. NYCO Sani-Spritz, NYCO N601+ , NYCO UNO, and NYCO TBQ RTU 5. Which products can be used safely on food contact surfaces without having to rinse after use, and are effective against E.coli 0157:H7 - a major cause of food borne illness? a. Household bleach b. A consumer branded disinfectant cleaner c. A consumer branded pine oil cleaner d. NYCO Table Time 200TM 6. Which disinfectant products are effective against Canine Parvovirus? a. Household bleach b. A consumer branded disinfectant cleaner c. A consumer branded pine oil cleaner d. NYCO UNO Lemon Scent, UNO Mint Scent, and TBQ Disinfectant 7. Which product can be used for cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces as well as cleaning and sanitizing carpets? a. Household bleach b. A consumer branded disinfectant cleaner c. A consumer branded pine oil cleaner d. NYCO Neutral Q-64 8. Which of the following NYCO products are effective against mold: a. Neutral Q-64 b. TBQ Disinfectant (RTU) c. UNO Lemon Scent and UNO Mint Scent d. N601+ e. Sani-Spritz f.  Ever-Pine g. White Ocean Foam h. All of the above As you can see, all disinfectants are not created equally. Want to learn more about disinfectants, sanitizers and what they kill? Click here for a complete listing of the efficacy of NYCO products. Note: The information regarding competitive product claims was found on product labels purchased in January 2008.