Surface Disinfectant Market: Growth, Size, Share, and Trends

DRIVER: Growing focus on mitigating hospital-acquired infections

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are nosocomial infections that occur during a patient’s stay at hospitals and related facilities and are not observed during admission. These infections include central line-associated surgical-site infections, bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, hospital-acquired pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and Clostridium difficile infections. The most common bacteria associated with HAIs include C. difficile, MRSA, Klebsiella, E. coli, Enterococcus, and the Pseudomonas species. Using infected medical devices during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures is a major cause of HAIs.

According to the CDC HAI Progress Report (2023 National and State Healthcare-Associated Infections Progress Report) published in 2024, each day, approximately one in 31 US patients and 1 in 43 nursing home residents’ contracts at least one infection, underscoring the need for improvements in patient care practices in US healthcare facilities. With the continued use of surface disinfectants following all the regulatory guidelines, there has been a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of CLASBI and other infections in the US, according to the CDC National and State HAI Progress Report. The continued use of different types of disinfectants for hospital surface cleaning and medical device disinfection will be necessary to decrease the incidence rates of these diseases further.

RESTRAINT: Potential consequences of chemical disinfectant use

Chemical disinfectants are used to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on surfaces. While they are effective tools in preventing the spread of infections, their use can also have several consequences, such as many chemical disinfectants that can be toxic to humans, especially if not used properly or if they are used in high concentrations. Prolonged exposure or inhalation of these chemicals can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, or other health issues. Disinfectants can have negative effects on the environment when they are improperly disposed of. Some chemicals can persist in the environment for long and accumulate in soil, water, or air, potentially harming wildlife and ecosystems. The overuse or misuse of disinfectants can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance. Microorganisms may develop resistance to chemicals, making them less effective in controlling infections over time. Some disinfectants can cause damage to the surface, especially if they are used frequently or in high concentrations. This can lead to corrosion of equipment or deterioration of materials, potentially compromising their effectiveness or longevity.