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55
DISINFECTION OF ROOMS.
I am satisfied from my own experiments* that when properly
used, formic aldehyde generated in this manner may be relied
upon for disinfecting rooms after the removal of the textile
articles. It has the disadvantage of not possessing great penetrative
power, and therefore it should not be relied upon to disinfect
bedding and such like. Its power to disinfect is believed to be due
to the action it has upon albumen, combining chemically with it to
form an insoluble and indecomposable substance. It has, however,
been shown by numerous experiments to have no deleterious action
upon metals, except in the case of iron and steel after long exposure.
Wall papers, fur, leather, silk and other materials are unaffected by
it, both as regards texture and colour, with the exception of articles
coloured with fuchs-ine or safranin, two dyes which are not much
used from their liability to fade. For disinfection of leather articles,
books, papers and letters this appears to solve a difficulty. Hitherto,
there has been no process which could be applied to such, without
causing damage.
The cost of this process would be the same as in the sulphur
method.
Chlorinated Lime.—A simple method recommended by the
Cheshire County Council is the brushing over the ceiling, walls
(including woodwork), and floors, with a mixture of chlorinated lime
and water (one part of good chlorinated lime to a 100 parts of
water by weight), or a clear filtrate of the same. Afterwards the
room is to be thoroughly aired and the floor and all woodwork well
washed with soap and hot water. This plan appears, however, to
necessitate the removal of the paper. It might very well be used
in rooms where the walls are limewashed, or where the paper is
in a state rendering its removal desirable. Chlorinated lime has
been recommended to be used in this way in rooms which have
been inhabited by persons suffering from consumption.
*Published in British Medical Journal, 13th August, 1898, A copy of the
paper has been sent to each Member of the Board.