What type of disinfectants are often referred to as phenolics?

Phenolics are a specific class of disinfectants that are particularly known for their effectiveness in killing a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They are especially noted for their tuberculocidal properties, meaning they are effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis. This capability makes phenolic disinfectants valuable in settings that require high levels of sanitation, such as barbershops, hospitals, and other health care environments, where controlling infection and maintaining hygiene are critical.

Phenolic disinfectants work by denaturing proteins and disrupting cellular membranes, which contributes to their robust effectiveness in eliminating difficult-to-kill microorganisms. This is why they are categorized as tuberculocidal disinfectants, highlighting their ability to combat tuberculosis specifically, along with other pathogens. In contrast, the other answer options refer to different kinds of products or agents that do not align with the specific defining qualities of phenolics, further solidifying the choice surrounding their classification.