342 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE 



washed, but wlien we know them to be saturated with virus and linow the possi- 

 bility of tlie dissemination of that virus if the proper precautions are not talven, 

 there is only one conclusion in the matter. If there is little danger associated, boil- 

 ing may be resorted to and disinfection accom'plished successfully. Unless the indi- 

 vidual is thoroughly familiar with the requirements of the case, nothing short of 

 burning should be adopted or entertained. 



DISINFECTION OF CLOTHES, BEDDING, CURTAINS AND CARPETS. 



No single method can be recommended in tlie disinfection of the articles named 

 above, because, while one method may be applicable to one article, it may not be ap- 

 plicable to another; consequently to decide upon what method to follow, it is nec- 

 essary to consider whether disinfection may be employed without the destruction of 

 the article or whether the destruction of the article will be necessary to render it 

 safe. Again, steam may be employed safely in one case, hot water in another or some 

 gas in still another, and the value of the article retained. It should ))e remembered 

 that the fumes of sulphur act as a decolorizing agent and are likely to destroy the 

 color in some fabrics. Formalin has little or no action upon color, has compara- 

 tively great penetrating power and has been found to be exceedingly useful as a 

 disinfectant in a gaseous form. Steam under pressure is very effective, but this, of 

 course, is beyond the reach of farmers. Steam under atmospheric pressure and 

 boiling water are within the reach of everybody, are comparatively inexpensive 

 and very valuable as disinfectants. 



To make the methods systematic and easily understood, it may be desirable to 

 state them as follows: 



First. Burn all that has little value. It is customary to keep on hand old clothes, 

 curtains, bedding and carpets, which should always be utilized in case sickness of 

 a contagious nature appears, and which can be disposed of more easily and more 

 safely by tire than by any other means. 



Second. Boil all that may be disinfected without injury. If necessary, rip the 

 bedding or other articles which are difticult of penetration, and which may be con- 

 cealing obnoxious germs. Personal wardrobes, curtains, bedding and carpets fre- 

 quently may be boiled without injury. Incidentally it may be stated to ad- 

 vantage that expensive curtains, carpets, clothing and bedding should never be 

 allowed in the sick chamber where there is an infectious or contagious disease. 

 Use only such articles as are absolutely necessary and are of little expense, so that 

 they may be disposed of without pecuniary loss at the end of the illness. 



Tliird. If neither burning nor boiling is available, the use of formalin gas can 

 be recommended. Hang the articles on a line in a room, spray them with water 

 and fill the room, after it has been thorouglily closed, with formalin gas. This may 

 jbe done when the room is undergoing disinfection. 



Fourth. The employment of dry heat is not reliable. Furthermore, it cannot be 

 luiade a very practicable method for farmers. 



THE DISINFECTION OF ROOMS. 



To disinfect a room roquires neither an expensive apparatus nor costly disinfect- 

 ants, yet it cannot be satisfactorily accomplished unless the utmost care be given 

 to every detail. Every cranny and nook, every crack and hole must receive its 

 share of attention. The room should be laid bare of all its furnishings and every 

 obstacle which stands in the way of thoroughness should be removed. Every ar- 

 ticle that is to be disinfected, together with the room, should not in any way be 

 allowed to interfere or vitiate the work. In this instance, only the room free from 

 all of its contents, will be considered. 



The first step is to remove every particle of dust iu the room with a cloth damp- 

 ened in a solution of corrosive sublimate, one part of corrosive sublimate to five 

 liundred parts of water, or a three to five per cent solution of carbolic acid. In 

 doing this it will be necessary to wipe off the woodwork, wall and ceiling. The 

 floor should be mopped with one of the above solutions. If corrosive sublimate is 

 used, it would perhaps be better to make the solution one part to one thousand, 

 to avoid leaving too much of this substance to dry on the floor, thus causing, pos- 

 silily, an in'itation of the nose and throat, sliould it sret into the air. Immediately 

 after this has been done and while the woodwork, walls and ceilings are still damp, 

 either burn sulphur or liberate formalin in the room as follows: About four pounds 

 of sulnhiir should be used to every thousand cubic feet of space. To have it effi- 



