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Disinfectants Distributed and Used,—The following statement gives
the quantity of disinfectants distributed by the Sanitary Authority, or used in
disinfecting and cleansing rooms:—
To householders :—Carbolic powder, 5 cwts. * Disinfectant fluid, 20 galls.
* Strong disinfectant is diluted before distribution in place of the former weaker
disinfectant used. The figure given is as distributed.
Disinfection of premises by Formaldehyde Solution, 20 galls. The total cost
of disinfectant was £6 2s. 6d. together with £3 18s. 2d. the cost of sulphur candles
used in the process of disinfestation of rooms.
Shelter House,—The Shelter House was not occupied during the year ;
baths were given to 30 verminous persons, while their clothing was disinfected, 2
of whom were sent from a Common Lodging House. 50 other persons who had
been in contact with cases of infectious diseases, 30 of whom were employed in
handling food, also had baths and their clothing disinfected. Baths were provided
for 41 persons who were suffering from Scabies (a series of 3 baths in each case),
making a total of 123 baths.
DISINFESTATION.
Eradication of Bed Bugs.—A circular is issued to householders on the bed
bug, directing where it is to be sought and how it is to be fought. The Council
had under consideration during the year the provision of a special disinfestation
building, and the proposals were submitted to the Minister of Health. This building
will function in the summer of 1938, and will dispense with the engagement of
disinfestation contractors.
During the year, 67 Council houses and 106 other houses, comprising 107 and
170 rooms respectively, were found to be bug infested, and were subsequently
disinfested.
The methods employed for freeing the houses from bugs were :—causing the
paper to be stripped from the walls, and, if necessary, the removal of architrave
mouldings, picture rails and skirtings, scorching the surfaces with a blow-lamp,
fumigating the rooms with sulphur, spraying the walls with an insecticide, the
fumigation and spraying being repeated if required after fourteen days; the
furniture being sprayed or treated with paraffin or an insecticide.
The belongings, except the bedding, etc., of tenants removing to Council houses
were treated with hydrogen cyanide gas by a contractor. The bedding and personal
clothing of these tenants were disinfested by steam at the Council's Disinfecting
Station.
1937