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94
The boiler of the disinfecting apparatus was examined oxternally and internally
as far as practicable by one of the inspecters of the National Boiler and General
Insurance Company, and as far as could be soon it was found to be in order. The
engineer suggested that at the next thorough inspection the boiler should be tested
by hydraulic pressure to 40 lbs. per square inch.
During the past year the disinfecting properties of formic aldehyde gas have been
brought under my notice. According to the reports of bacteriologists who have
experimented with it, this gas possesses marked germicidal properties distinctly
superior to those of sulphurous acid gas. It appears to have little or no effect upon
coloured textile articles, and is recommended as a valuable disinfecting agent.
Formic aldehyde gas can be conveniently generated by heating a substance known as
"paraform" in a specially-constructed methylated spirit lamp (alformant). I have
used this disinfecting agont in two or three special cases, where coloured articles had
to be dealt with, and as far as could be judged the results were satisfactory.
Various disinfecting agents have boon employod for the purpose of fumigating
rooms after infectious disease, the commonest of these boing chlorine gas. bromine
fumes, and nitrous and sulphurous acid gases. The one used in Shoreditch
(and I believe it is in very general use in the metropolis) is sulphurous acid gas. In
some districts sulphur candles and cylinders of liquified gas are used for generating
the gas. In Shoreditch ordinary roll sulphur is burnt in iron vessels specially constructed
for the purpose. Sulphurous acid gas is very cheaply produced, is well
adapted for general use as a fumigating agent, and, so far as my experience goes, there
does not appear to be any reason to be dissatisfied with the results obtained from its
use combined with the othor moasuros as to disinfection adopted in the district.
Towards the end of the year the Vestry decided to purchase a horse for use at
the disinfecting station. It was suggested that motor cars should be used for the purpose of conveying goods to and from the disinfecting station, but after enquiring
into the matter, the Public Health Committee were of opinion that inasmuch as
motor cars were at present an innovation, and attracted the attention of the public
hi the streets, it was not advisable to employ them for this purpose. Vehicles for
conveying infected goods should be of such construction as to attract attention as little
as possible.
THE CLEANSING OF PERSONS ACT, 1897,
which is now in force, gives the Vestry power to allow, if thoy shall see fit, any person
who may make application to them, on the ground that he is infested with vermin,
to have the use, free of charge, of the disinfecting apparatus, for the purpose of freeing
himself from such vermin. The use of the apparatus is in no way to be considered
parochial relief or charitable allowance, and no person by reason thereof is to be
deprived of any right or privdeges, or to be subject to any disqualification or disability.