Disinfectant

Stable

Inactivation
organic matter

Corrosive/
damaging

Irritant/
Sensitizing

Glutaraldehyde

Moderately
(14-28 d)

No
(fixative)

No

Yes

Peracetic acid

No

(<1 day)

No

Slight

Slight

Alcohol

Yes

Yes
(fixative)

Slight
(lens cements)

No
(Flammable)

Peroxygen compounds

Moderately
(7 d)

Yes

Slight

No

Chlorine releasing agents

No
(<1 d)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Clear soluble phenolics

Yes

No

Slight

Yes

Quaternary ammonia compounds

Yes

Yes

No

No