Which of the following is a limitation of alcohol as a disinfectant?

Alcohol is widely recognized for its disinfectant properties, especially effective against a broad range of bacteria and some viruses, making it a popular choice for sanitization in various settings. However, a significant limitation of alcohol is its ineffectiveness against certain types of viruses, particularly non-enveloped viruses such as norovirus and poliovirus.

This limitation is crucial for understanding the scope of alcohol’s effectiveness in disinfection protocols. While alcohol can deactivate enveloped viruses and bacteria efficiently, its inability to effectively address non-enveloped viruses means it should not be solely relied upon in situations where these pathogens may be present.

Additionally, alcohol is known to evaporate quickly, which could lead to insufficient surface coverage and reduce contact time with pathogens. This rapid evaporation may also lead to a lack of residual effect, diminishing its overall effectiveness. However, this characteristic does not inherently classify it as ineffective; it may just require strategic application to ensure optimal disinfection.

Understanding this limitation helps in choosing appropriate disinfectant strategies in environments where diverse pathogens are of concern, guiding professionals in applying the most suitable solutions for different situations.