The Basics
The mechanical process using soap and water to remove visible dirt.
Cleaning
Pathogens spread through touching, kissing, or shaking hands.
Direct Transmission
A nonscientific synonym for disease-producing organisms.
Germs
Any organism of microscopic or submicroscopic size
Microorganism
A parasitic particle that can only replicate by taking over a host cell.
Virus
This agency registers all types of disinfectants used in the US.
EPA
An abnormal condition that makes the body incapable of normal functions.
Disease
A disease capable of being spread from one person to another.
Contagious Disease
Harmless microorganisms that may perform useful functions.
Non Pathogenic
A bloodborne virus that causes disease and can damage the liver.
Hepatitis
The process that completely destroys all microbial life, including spores.
Sterilization
Transmission of blood or fluids through contact with an intermediate object like a razor.
Indirect
Poisonous substances produced by some microorganisms.
Toxins
Pus-forming bacteria that grow in clusters like a bunch of grapes.
Staphylococci
The virus that causes AIDS.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Chemical products designed to destroy most bacteria, fungi, and viruses on surfaces.
Disinfectants
Bacteria capable of producing a protective coating to withstand harsh environments.
Bacterial Spores
The removal of blood or infectious materials on an item's surface.
Decontamination
A type of infectious bacteria highly resistant to conventional antibiotics.
MRSA
A cutaneous viral infection commonly contracted through sexual transmission.
HPV
This federal agency regulates and enforces safety standards to protect employees.
OSHA
This term means a product is capable of destroying viruses.
What is Virucidal
Illness resulting from conditions associated with employment.
Occupational Disease
An infection where the pathogen has distributed throughout the entire body.
Systemic
An inflammatory skin disease characterized by small vesicles in clusters.
Herpes Simplex