Chemicals should be used only when heat cannot
be used. Their performance may be affected by
many factors. Thorough cleaning beforehand is essential,
because chemicals do not disinfect in the
presence of organic matter. Some chemicals are
corrosive to metal. Others are volatile, flammable or
potentially toxic to staff or patients. The properties
of chemical disinfectants have been extensively reviewed
elsewhere31,32 and are briefly summarized
here.