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Certain proprietary bactericides were considered for use in sterilising babies' nappies
and soiled clothing with a view to obviating the necessity of boiling. They depend primarily
on the action of chlorine, but may be assisted by the presence of detergents and chlorophenolic
compounds. The effectiveness of any such chemical depends on the complete
removal of solid matter adhering to the nappies. If this is not achieved, chemicals in solution
are unable to penetrate or will be inactivated by the organic matter encountered. With
properly conducted boiling there is no such uncertainty; any suspended matter left behind
is rendered harmless.
The value of some recently introduced ingredients in germicidal soaps and creams for
pre-operational use was discussed in a memorandum to a hospital management committee.
Plastic containers designed for sterilising feeding bottles and teats in a chlorine solution
were of high density polythene and were considered perfectly suitable for this purpose as
such solutions are always used cold. At the temperature of boiling water slight softening
would occur and prolonged boiling or higher temperatures could lead to appreciable
deformation.
Insecticides and fungicides
Many different insects and a few examples of moulds and fungi were submitted during
the year for identification and for advice as to eradication or control as necessary.
Frequently the insect concerned is completely harmless but the enquirer naturally wants to
know what it is and whether any action is desirable. In case of undesirable infestation the
Chief Inspector is normally approached and his help sought in dealing with the trouble.
For general use fly-sprays based on synergised pyrethrine and dieldrin have again been
used and are still found to be effective. For treatment of wood-borers ('woodworm',
'furniture beetle','powder-post beetle', etc.) continued use has been made of preparations
based on chlorinated phenols and other chlorinated hydrocarbons rendered penetrating
and long lasting by the addition of certain oils.
For eradication of fungi, pentachlorphenol preparations have again been used
successfully.
During the year an exceptionally large number of enquiries were received concerning the
removal of lichen or algae growths from roofs: though they may be considered unsightly
such growths are, on the whole, harmless. In bad cases they may hinder run off of rain
water and certainly delay drying out of the roof covering: this could result in increased
frost damage in winter. Removal was usually effected by treatment with sodium pentachlorphenate
solution.
Chemicals, drugs and medical supplies
Many types of article and substances are received for investigation and analysis and
information is often sought on the suitability of materials for special purposes. A number
of requests for assistance were made in handling chemicals involving an element of danger
to persons or property if appropriate precautions are not taken. Some examples of
investigations are:
(a) Samples of halibut and cod liver oils and other vitamin preparations were
examined to check potency and acceptability and, in one or two instances of old stocks,
suitability for use.
(b) An investigation was made of the properties of teats for artificial feeding of infants.
Several well known makes of rubber teats were examined with a view to selecting those
which most nearly approached the ideal. The features taken into consideration were—
(i) quality and elasticity of the rubber, (ii) the rate of flow of water through the teat
both before and after boiling for an hour, (iii) uniformity of size and weight, (iv) the
ease of cleaning.
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