What is the primary function of disinfectants?

The primary function of disinfectants is to kill or inactivate pathogens on surfaces. Disinfectants are chemical agents used to reduce the presence of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, to prevent the spread of infection and disease. They are typically applied to inanimate surfaces and objects to eliminate pathogens that can pose a risk to human health.

By effectively targeting these pathogens, disinfectants play a critical role in infection control protocols in various settings, such as hospitals, laboratories, and public spaces. This helps maintain a safe environment and reduces the likelihood of outbreaks caused by contaminated surfaces.

In contrast, enhancing cellular growth or serving as nutrient sources relates more to the cultivation of bacteria or other microbes, which is not the purpose of disinfectants. Promoting infection would imply a harmful effect, in direct opposition to the protective role that disinfectants are intended to provide.