London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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City of London 1902

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London, City of ]

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47
the object in view. Not only was the dust laid, the roadway surfaces
effectively deodorized, and all animal and refuse matter thereon disinfected,
but it was found as anticipated, that even on the hottest days the roadway
surfaces retained moisture for a considerably longer period than obtained
when water alone was used for laying the dust.
The advantage accruing from this measure was most noticeable in those
places used as "lay-byes," where the abominable nuisance caused by the fecal
matter and stalings from horses was reduced to a minimum, while it is hardly
necessary to point out that the spread of tuberculosis, through the agency of
dried sputa, must be materially checked when thoroughfares in crowded
places are so treated in dry weather.
The method formerly in use of manufacturing disinfecting liquids in bulk
at Golden Lane has been to a great extent discontinued, only a comparatively
small stock being kept for emergencies.
All chemicals and disinfectants supplied throughout the Public Health
Department are obtained through your Medical Officer.
They are used for the following purposes :—
A. Deodorizing and "denaturalizing" condemned meat.
B. Disinfecting public conveniences (urinals, &c.).
C. Disinfecting roadways, street gullies, &c.
D. Disinfecting Offices (Public Health Department).
E. Disinfecting premises, &c., after infectious disease, and sundries.

The amounts spent during the past twelve months under these several headings were :—

£s.d.
A14125
B1286
C.10236*
D0121
E.64172
Total£194138

Including cartage, £1 2s. 6d.
This shows a saving of upwards of £400 per annum over the average
amount spent for similar purposes during the preceding twelve years.