When eliminating organisms from inanimate objects, higher numbers of organisms require longer exposure times because
A) all disinfecting agents are not alike and some require shorter times.
B) the chemical composition of the disinfecting agent varies.
C) disinfecting agents containing carbon tetrachloride require longer times to act.
D) it takes longer to eliminate 99% of microorganisms.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It takes longer to eliminate higher numbers of microorganisms because the effectiveness of disinfecting agents is often measured in terms of their ability to eliminate 99% of microorganisms (referred to as a 2-log reduction). Eliminating a larger number of microorganisms (such as a 3- or 4-log reduction) requires longer exposure times.

When Eliminating Organisms from Inanimate Objects, Higher Numbers of Organisms