Abstract

The recent spread of infectious diseases like avian andswine fl u, and the increasing resistance of pathogenicgerms against the majority of antibiotics make hygienean ever more critical challenge. To master it, we rely ondisinfectants as a fi rst line of defence against undesiredmicroorganisms. In the past, those disinfectants wereoften very effective but raised concerns of being harmfulto humans or the environment. Modern disinfectants,however, contain active ingredients that combineboth aspects. Especially the family of modern phenolicactive ingredients combines a high level of effectivenesswith low toxicity and an outstanding compatibility withenvironmental standards. These actives are furthermoresuited for a broad spectrum of applications.