Iodophors belong to which family of disinfectants?

Iodophors are indeed classified under the family of halogens, primarily due to their active ingredient, iodine. They are complexes of iodine that are used as antiseptics and disinfectants, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi by disrupting their cellular structures and functions. The halogen family includes other disinfectants like chlorine and bromine, all of which share similar antimicrobial properties.

In contrast, alcohols are a different category of disinfectants known for their ability to denature proteins and dissolve lipids, making them effective against a range of microorganisms but not specifically related to iodine. Phenolics, on the other hand, work by disrupting cell walls and precipitating cell proteins, which is a distinct mode of action from that of iodophors. Lastly, quaternary ammonium compounds are a group of surface-active agents that disrupt cell membranes and are often used in cleaning products and disinfectants but do not encompass iodophors. Understanding these distinctions is key to categorizing disinfectants based on their active components and mechanisms of action.