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Denotes a route for the transmission of infection through inhalation of bacteria via the respiratory tract. Pathogens are spread into the surrounding area by sneezing, coughing as well as by exhalation. Typical illnesses that are transmitted by a droplet infection are measles, mumps, chickenpox and influenza.

Semi-synthetic, chemical or genetic compounds, which are produced using bacteria, fungi, lichen and other living organisms, and which are applied for killing and inhibiting the growth of infectious organisms. Antibiotics were originally extracted from naturally formed molecular metabolic products from bacteria or fungi.

Acts against pathogens, killing them off.

Denotes the transmission of pathogens by an already infected individual to a healthy individual through physical contact.

Comprises the elimination of invisible organic material and visible dirt in order to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms on surfaces and skin.

Denotes the targeted killing of pathogens on the skin or hands. Hand disinfection is much more effective against pathogens than merely cleaning the hands.

Consumables that are used for the elimination of impurities and disinfection of skin, surfaces and objects. The active agents contained in disinfectants include alcohols, ammonium compounds, amines and aldehydes.

Cloths soaked in disinfectant for the disinfection of skin, surfaces and/or objects.

European standard for hygienic hand washing

European standard for hygienic hand disinfection

European standard for surgical hand disinfection

Quantitative suspension test with polio, adeno and norovirus; the basis for effectiveness evaluations of surface disinfectants

Denotes specific pathogenic strains of the intestinal bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). This can trigger bloody diarrhoea (enterohaemorrhagic colitis) (in humans).

These viruses are surrounded by a membrane envelope. They can be destroyed by disinfectants, as enveloped viruses are often/comparably less active than non-enveloped viruses. Examples of enveloped viruses: influenza viruses, HBV, HCV and HIV viruses.

Comprises all measures that are undertaken to preserve and protect the environment. The aim is to conserve biodiversity and all living organisms based on a functional ecosystem.

Abbreviation for extended spectrum beta-lactamases. This involves bacterial enzymes, beta-lactamases, which an extended spectrum of beta-lactamase antibiotics can split.

The food industry denotes the economic sector in which an essential part of agricultural products are processed for human nutrition.

Food safety (also: food hygiene) is a generic term for all measures meant to ensure that food is suitable for the end consumerto eat or drink – so that it will not harm or adversely effect health. Examples (Link to products in the category food safety/food contact)

Denotes the killing of fungi (e.g. yeasts and moulds).

Measure for removing dirt from the skin. Hand cleaning is the first, elementary step in hand hygiene. Examples (Link to skin cleaning products)

Hazardous waste represents waste subject to mandatory monitoring, which differs from conventional waste on account of the pollutants it contains or its consistency, and which must be disposed of separately.

Cleaning of heavy soiling (e.g. tar, oil, paint, lacquer) primarily resulting in industry. Examples (Link to heavy-duty products).

Denotes the “science of disease prevention and the maintenance and promotion of health”. This is how the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology defines “Hygiene”. It denotes all precautions aiming to prevent a transmission of pathogens.

Hygiene plans defines all measures for the prevention of infections that apply in health institutions. Formulation and compliance is required by the health service, the Robert Koch Institute, the German Protection against Infection Act and the German Ordinance on Biological Substances. Examples (Link to hygiene plan downloads)

Inability to retain urine or stools

Comprises cleaning and prevention measures against the contamination of instruments for medical use. Examples (Link to products in the area of medical devices)

The International Organization for Standardization – in short ISO – is the international association of standardisation organisations and as such draws up international standards in all areas

EN ISO 9001 defines the requirements for a quality management system (QM system), which an organisation must comply with in order to be able to provide products and services, which fulfil customer expectations as well as any official requirements.

The international environmental management standard ISO 14001 defines internationally recognised requirements for an environmental management system and is part of a family of standards. This family of standards contains numerous further standards for various areas of environmental management, including life cycle assessments, environmental performance indicators and appraisal. It can be applied to both manufacturing companies as well as companies providing services.

ISO 22716:2007 is the preferred standard for the cosmetics industry within the EU and ensures compliance with the laws and regulations of the European Commission with directives for the production, monitoring, storage and shipping of cosmetic products. The primary aim of this standard is to increase the safety of the end product and protect consumers.

Denotes the specific inactivation of (primarily/predominantly enveloped) viruses.

Abbreviation for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium can cause pneumonia or wound infections and is resistant to many antibiotics.

Podology denotes alternative medicine for the foot.

Prophylaxis, aversion.

Special gloves (as part of personal protective equipment) in order to provide protection against hazards and the transmission of bacteria.

Abbreviation for Robert Koch Institute

Designation of the Robert Koch Institute, concerning effectiveness when using a disinfectant for the treatment of fungi and bacteria.

Designation of the Robert Koch Institute, concerning effectiveness when using a disinfectant for the treatment of viruses.

Denotes an acquired ability to perform a certain activity very quickly and reliably through prolonged practice.

Gram-positive bacteria, which form clusters (cocci) in a culture. They are the most important cause of septic surface infections and can frequently be the cause of food poisoning, for example.

Absence of reproducible germs such as microorganisms and viruses

Denotes a procedure for the removal or elimination of living microorganisms (e.g. viruses, fungi and bacteria), as well as in their dormant stages (e.g. spores).

Denotes the disinfection of surfaces and objects.

Skin care is an essential element of personal body care in order to retain and improve the skin’s protective barriers.