What pH level characterizes acidic substances?

Acidic substances are characterized by a pH level that is below 7. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values less than 7 indicating acidity, values equal to 7 representing neutrality, and values greater than 7 denoting alkalinity or basicity. This understanding of the pH scale is fundamental in various fields, including chemistry and biology, as it helps in assessing the properties and behavior of different substances in solutions. Being aware of the pH level is also critical in medical contexts, such as managing the cleaning and disinfection processes of endoscopes, where pH can influence the effectiveness of certain cleaning agents or disinfectants used in reprocessing equipment.