London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Hackney 1950
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hackney]
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DISINFESTATION BY CYANIDE GAS.
Manual disinfestation by cyanide gas first used in Hackney in 1934.
Method.—Loaded van sealed at joints, etc., with adhesive paper; back-boarded and sealed;
container of cyanide gas punctured by hand, placed in van through aperture in driving cabin,
when sealing completed. This was a dangerous operation; operators were required to wear
protective masks and resuscitation outfit had to be kept at hand. On opening van surrounding
area dangerous to approach without mask.