Phenol Coefficient as Measure of Practical Value of Disinfectants

Abstract

Phenol-like disinfectants of the coal tar and cresylic acid type, diluted to 20 times their phenol coefficients, were effective in killing large numbers of disease-producing microorganisms. When dilutions are calculated on this basis (20 times the phenol coefficient) coal tar and cresol disinfectants are equally as effective in killing such bacteria as is 5% carbolic acid.