Toxicology of Biocides

Abstract

Biocides are generally defined as chemicals or biological agents that are capable of destroying, preventing or rendering harmless, pathogenic organisms. In terms of regulatory activity, the scope of biocides has expanded to the extent that they are regarded as nonagricultural biocides. Their use requires that they be registered and approved through national and international regulatory schemes. Biocides are extensively used in industry, domestically, agriculturally and with medical and veterinary applications. Thus, they find widespread use, particularly in pulp and paper manufacturing, in personal care products, preservatives and as sanitizers, disinfectants and sterilants. Because they are reactive with pathogenic organisms, biocides are potentially toxic and, through misuse, can result in adverse health effects. This review discusses the use patterns, chemistry, toxicology, human health effects and environmental aspects, of several representative biocides of a wide range of chemical structures and applications.