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53
readiness. Without such provision no complete disinfection of such
articles can be effected. Partial and nominal disinfection, besides
being wasteful, may be mischievous, as giving rise to a false security.
19. The following system of domestic disinfection may be
commended to Local Authorities who have already provided adequate
public means for the disinfection and for the disposal of infected
matters and things:—
(a) For the purposes of the sick room such as the reception of
soiled handkerchiefs, sheets, and the like, as well as for
the swabbing of floors, a valuable disinfecting solution
may be made with perchloride of mercury. It is well
to have this solution slightly acid, coloured also in such
a way that it shall not readily be confused with drinks
or medicines; and proper caution should be given to
avoid accidents in its use. Local Authorities will find
it advantageous to have such a solution prepared and
issued under the direct instructions of the Medical
Officer of Health, and supplied of a uniform strength
at the infected house upon the order of that officer.
After being steeped in such solution and rinsed, linen
and other washable articles should be washed in boiling
water.
* Solutions fitted for the desired purposes are:—
(1) ½-oz. corrosive sublimate, 1 fluid oz. hydrochloric acid, and five grains
of commercial aniline blue, in three gallons (a bucketful) of common
water. It ought not to cost more than 3d. the bucketful, and
should not be further diluted. The use of non-metallic vessels
(wooden or earthenware house tubs or buckets) should be enjoined
on those who receive it, and articles that have been soaked in it
should be set to soak in common water for some hours before they
go to the wash.
(2) Chlorinated lime (bleaching powder) in water, of the strength of one
part in 100 = 1 lb. to 10 gallons of water.
(3) Formalin—a solution of formic aldehyde gas in water. This may be
used diluted in the proportion of 1 part of formalin to 50 parts of
water. It is more expensive than the two preceding solutions, but
has the advantage of being less corrosive, and less likely to injure
articles with which it comes in contact.