MDRAO Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Exam Prep Resource

Spray forms of disinfectants should generally be avoided due to the risk of inhalation and aerosolization. When these products are sprayed, they create fine particles that can linger in the air and be inhaled by individuals in the vicinity. This poses a significant health risk, particularly in healthcare settings or other environments where people may have compromised respiratory systems or be particularly vulnerable.

Additionally, aerosolization can lead to the distribution of disinfectant agents to areas that were not intended to be treated, potentially causing contamination of surfaces or equipment that do not require disinfection. The risk of creating an unsafe inhalation environment is a critical concern when selecting disinfectants for use in reprocessing medical devices or cleaning surfaces.

While there are other considerations such as cost or potential skin irritation, the primary reason for avoiding spray disinfectants centers on their safety profile and the potential health risks they pose through airborne transmission.