Leslie Massey
Dettol is a well-known antiseptic brand that was first formulated in 1929 by Albert Leopold Reckitt and Dr. William Colebrook Reynolds. Initially, Dettol was intended for personal use, such as douching and handwashing, and it soon found a place in hospitals and doctors' offices. Over the years, Dettol expanded its reach and became popular in Australia, where it has been used not only for its intended antiseptic purposes but also for pest control. However, due to concerns about potential harm to native wildlife, the use of Dettol as pest control was banned in Western Australia in 2011. Today, Dettol continues to be a trusted brand in Australia and worldwide, known for its effectiveness in fighting germs and improving hygiene practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First formulated | 1929 |
| First used for | Personal use, as a douching formulation for females and washing hands |
| Founders | Albert Leopold Reckitt & Dr. William Colebrook Reynolds |
| Popularity in Australia | Used by Australians as early as 1933; Dettol was voted the Most Trusted Brand in 2020 by Australians and New Zealanders |
| Use as a pest control agent | Dettol in a spray bottle has been used to combat cane toads in Australia |
| Banned in Western Australia | 2011 |
| Banned for | Concerns over potential harm to Australian wildlife species |
| Colours | Light yellow (concentrated form), milky emulsion of oil droplets (diluted with water) |
| Composition | Chloroxylenol (4.8%), pine oil, isopropanol, castor oil, soap, water |
| Alternative name | PCMX |
| Potential side effects | Skin sensitization, death (in rare cases of excessive exposure) |
| Toxicity | Poisonous to humans and animals, especially cats |
| Related brands | Reckitt, Strepsils, Harpic, Veet, Airborne, Mortein, Gaviscon, Air Wick, Calgon, Clearasil, Cillit Bang, Durex, Lysol, Mycil, Enfamil, Vanish |
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What You'll Learn
Dettol's history and origins
Dettol was first formulated in 1929 and was first used in hospitals in the 1930s. It was invented by British scientist LLoyd Roake and created by the British company Reckitt and Colman. It was first used for personal use, as a douching formulation for females and for washing hands.
In 1933, a maternity (gynaecological and obstetric) study demonstrated that Dettol was effective in washing hands and reducing illness-causing bacteria and viruses. Dettol was invented for doctors and was first needed when millions of mothers and babies were dying from sepsis following childbirth. Dettol was used to disinfect medical supplies before delivering babies, thus eliminating patients' exposure to bacteria and viruses. Just over two years later, the incidence of puerperal sepsis fell by 50%.
Dettol soon found a place in homes, brought to people around the world in the form of antiseptic liquid, also recognised as one of its most iconic products. Dettol took pride in progressive science that represented a new way of thinking—that disease was caused by germs we contract throughout our daily activities in life. It was later discovered that millions of illnesses can be prevented through effective hygiene practices.
Today, Dettol is a world-leading hygiene brand trusted by millions of people in over 124 countries.
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Use in hospitals and by doctors
Dettol was first formulated in 1929 by Albert Leopold Reckitt and Dr William Colebrook Reynolds. Initially, it was used for personal hygiene, including as a douching formulation for females and for washing hands.
In 1933, a maternity (gynaecological and obstetric) study demonstrated that Dettol was effective in reducing illness-causing bacteria and viruses when used as a hand wash. This study was conducted at a time when millions of mothers and babies were dying from sepsis following childbirth. Dettol was used to disinfect medical supplies before delivering babies, thus eliminating patients' exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses. Within two years, the incidence of puerperal sepsis had fallen by 50%.
Following this, Dettol began to be used in hospitals and by doctors in the 1930s. It was used as a post-surgery antiseptic skin wash and to disinfect medical supplies and treat cuts and wounds.
Since its early use in hospitals, Dettol has expanded its product line to include antibacterial hand wash, household cleaning products, hand sanitiser, and laundry sanitisers. The brand continues to innovate and expand its technology, resources, and formats to help protect people and places worldwide.
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Expansion and innovation
Dettol was first formulated in 1929 by Albert Leopold Reckitt and Dr William Colebrook Reynolds. Initially, it was used for personal hygiene, specifically as a douching formulation for females and for washing hands. It was also used in hospitals and by doctors. In 1933, a maternity study demonstrated that Dettol was effective in reducing illness-causing bacteria and viruses. This likely contributed to its popularity in Australia.
Over the years, Dettol expanded its product range and continued to innovate. The brand was brought to people worldwide in the form of antiseptic liquid, which became one of its most iconic products. The antiseptic liquid, with its distinctive light yellow colour, was poisonous and had to be diluted before use. It was marketed in a green bottle with a white sword, symbolising its germ-killing power.
In 1979, Dettol began to further expand its technology and resources to introduce new formats to help protect more people and places. The brand continued to grow and deliver on its promise of protection, becoming loved by millions in over 124 countries.
Dettol's product range expanded to include a floor cleaner, which was launched in Australia in 2001. The brand also includes a range of other products such as the Tru Clean range, which kills 99.9% of germs with a plant-based active ingredient.
In Australia, Dettol has been used for pest control, specifically to combat cane toads. However, due to concerns over potential harm to other wildlife species, its use as a pest control agent was banned in Western Australia in 2011.
Dettol's parent company, Reckitt, faced controversy in Australia in 2015 when it was found to be misleading consumers with its product Nurofen. As a result, the company was fined A$6 million by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). Despite this setback, Dettol continues to be a trusted brand in Australia, winning the Most Trusted Brand award in 2020, voted by Australians and New Zealanders in Reader's Digest.
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Poisonous nature and adverse effects
The popularity of Dettol in Australia can be traced back to the early 20th century when it was introduced to the market as a disinfectant and antiseptic. However, it was during World War II that Dettol gained widespread popularity and became a household name. Australian soldiers, stationed overseas, were issued Dettol for personal hygiene and wound cleaning, and they brought this knowledge of its effectiveness back home with them. The product was also heavily advertised during the war years, with campaigns targeting households and promoting Dettol as a versatile and reliable disinfectant.
Dettol has a poisonous nature, and its active ingredient, chloroxylenol, is a phenolic compound that can be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin in large quantities. The poisonous effects of Dettol are primarily due to this main ingredient, which can cause a range of adverse health effects if not used properly. The concentration of chloroxylenol in Dettol is typically around 4.8%, and while this concentration is effective for disinfection, it also poses risks if not handled correctly.
When ingested, even small amounts of Dettol can cause serious harm. The toxic effects can include burning pain in the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, ingestion can lead to a drop in body temperature, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. If left untreated, ingestion of Dettol can be fatal. Young children are particularly at risk of accidental ingestion, as they may mistake the brightly colored liquid for a drink, or they may consume it during exploratory behavior if it is not stored securely.
Inhalation of Dettol vapors can also be harmful, especially if used in confined or poorly ventilated spaces. Inhaling Dettol vapors can cause irritation to the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged or repeated exposure to Dettol vapors can also cause respiratory issues and exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. Skin contact with Dettol should also be avoided, as it can cause skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Direct contact with the skin can lead to redness, itching, and burning sensations. Repeated or prolonged skin exposure may result in more severe skin irritation and even chemical burns. It is important to use gloves and protective clothing when handling concentrated Dettol or when using it for extended periods to minimize skin contact. Finally, eye exposure to Dettol should be avoided, as it can cause serious eye irritation and damage, including redness, pain, and blurred vision. If Dettol comes into contact with the eyes, it is important to flush them with water immediately and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
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Pest control and environmental concerns
Dettol is a popular disinfectant and antiseptic product line that has been used globally for decades. In Australia, Dettol has been used not only for personal hygiene and household cleaning but also for pest control.
Pests such as rodents, flies, cockroaches, mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects can spread illness-causing germs in and around the home. Dettol products, including pesticides, insect repellents, and traps, can be used to destroy the germs spread by these pests. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Dettol in a spray bottle has been used in Australia to combat cane toads, as the disinfectant quickly kills the toads. However, due to concerns over potential harm to other wildlife species, the use of Dettol as an agent for pest control was banned in Western Australia by the Department of Environment and Conservation in 2011.
Dettol contains chloroxylenol, also known as para-chloro-meta-xylenol (PCMX), a chlorine-substituted phenol. Chloroxylenol has antiseptic, disinfectant, and sanitizing properties and is used in hospitals and households worldwide. When diluted, chloroxylenol can be used for skin disinfection and, when diluted with alcohol, for disinfecting medical instruments. However, like other household cleaners, Dettol is poisonous and should not be ingested or used undiluted. It can cause skin sensitization in rare cases, and excessive exposure can be fatal.
To prevent pest infestations, it is important to keep the home and its surroundings clean and free of debris, denying pests access to food and bedding materials. Additionally, blocking potential entry points, such as uncovered drains and openings around pipes, can help stop pests from entering the home.
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Frequently asked questions
Dettol was first formulated in 1929.
Dettol was first used for personal use, as a douching formulation for females and for washing hands.
In 1979, Dettol began to further expand its technology, know-how, and resources to introduce new formats to help protect more people worldwide.
Dettol has been popular in Australia for several decades. It was voted Most Trusted Brand in 2020 by Australians and New Zealanders.
Dettol is poisonous to many animals, especially cats. In 2011, the use of Dettol as an agent for pest control was banned in Western Australia due to concerns over potential harm to wildlife species.
