Chemistry & ProductsQuestion 458 of 484
Which statement correctly distinguishes an ANTIBACTERIAL product from an ANTIFUNGAL product in salon practice?
a.Both terms mean the same thing and either label suffices on any tool
b.Antibacterials kill fungi and viruses; antifungals kill bacteria only
c.Antibacterials target bacterial cells (cell walls, ribosomes, etc.); antifungals target fungal-specific structures (often ergosterol in the cell membrane). An EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant used in California salons must be effective against bacteria, viruses, AND fungi, not a single class
d.Antifungals are only available by prescription and may not be sold over the counter
Explanation
Antibacterial agents target structures unique to bacterial cells. Antifungal agents target structures unique to fungal cells, most commonly ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane. The two classes act on different organisms and a product that kills bacteria is NOT automatically effective against fungi. California salon disinfectants used on non-porous, multi-use tools must be EPA-registered hospital-grade, which by definition means bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal (per CCR Title 16 §979.4 and BBC inspection practice). Many topical antifungals are OTC (clotrimazole, terbinafine). Options A, B, and D collapse or mis-state the categories.
Law Reference: CCR Title 16 §979.4Practice all 484 questions free — no signup required.
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