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26
27 samples of ice-cream were taken for analysis during the year.
Of these, 26, or 96% proved to be satisfactory from a bacteriological
point of view.
Investigations were made in respect of the unsatisfactory sample,
and after the necessary precautions had been taken a further sample
proved satisfactory.
C. Rag and Bone Dealers.
Such business is an offensive trade in Romford, under the provisions
of the Eomford Urban (Offensive Trades) Confirmation .
Order, 1929. There are 4 dealers in the District.
Disinfection after Infectiou Diseases.
After cases of infectious diseases have been removed to Hospital,
or after the termination of illness, if they have been treated at home,
the sick room and contents are fumigated with Formalin vapour.
The bedding is exposed to the vapour at the time the room is
disinfected, routine steam disinfection not being employed.
Eradication of Bed Bugs.
When a house is found to be bug infested the occupants are
advised by the staff of the Sanitary Department what steps to take
to secure eradication of the bugs.
This advice depends largely on the degree of infestation, and
was described in detail in my report for last year.
When the house has been rendered free from bugs the tenant is
advised to communicate with us if any more are seen.
Opportunity was taken during Health Week, at the stand of the
Eomford Council, of educating the public on this matter, and a film
entitled the "Red Army" was shown.
During the year, 2 Council houses, and 19 other houses were
found to be infested. These were all disinfested, although in 1 case
the disinfestation took place at the beginning of 1938.
Regarding the method employed for ensuring that the belongings
of tenants are free from vermin before removal to Council houses
from condemned properties, this, also, was mentioned in the last
report. Briefly, I can recapitulate by stating that the work is contracted
out to a firm which specialises in the use of Hydrogen
Cyanide Gas, a 2.5% concentration of this gas being used. After .
ventilation a series of tests is carried out, and when found to be
satisfactory the house is pronounced as ready for occupation, and a
certificate is issued to this Department by the firm stating that the
tests have been found to be satisfactory.