Protection Against Disease 463 



of available chlorine. In ordinary disinfecting it is used in a 

 weak solution of one part of chloride of lime to 1000 parts of 

 water. 



Antiseptics are substances that stop or check the growth of 

 bacteria but do not necessarily kill them. All germicides are 

 antiseptics, but not all antiseptics are germicides. Antiseptic 

 solutions are frequently used to cleanse objects to reduce dan- 

 gers of infection. When used as lotions, or body washes, or as 

 gargles, antiseptics must often be kept very weak to avoid injur- 

 ing delicate body cells. This lessens their effect on germs. A 

 simple gargle of salt and water, which is cleansing and stimulat- 

 ing, is more effective than most antiseptic solutions for the 

 throat. 



Many dangerous forms of bacteria accumulate in living 

 rooms, schoolrooms, theaters, halls and churches where many 

 people gather. These germs are often in the dust and are breathed 

 in when the dust is disturbed. Ordinary sweeping, while it gath- 

 ers up dirt, causes germ-laden dust to float about the room and 

 finally to settle on furniture and hangings. Dusting with a dry 

 cloth simply stirs up the dust again. It is best, therefore, to 

 dust with a cloth dampened with water, light oil, or some anti- 

 septic which will catch and hold the dust particles. 



Wherever possible, cleaning of rugs, carpets and hangings 

 should be done with a vacuum cleaner. In a vacuum cleaner the 

 dust is drawn into a bag or container by means of a fan, usually 

 run by an electric motor. The frequent cleaning of floors, seats, 

 and hangings in places of assembly does much to prevent the 

 spread of contagious diseases. 



SUMMARY 



Good health enables people to work well and to enjoy life. 



There are numerous causes of loss of health. The presence 

 of disease germs in the body is one of the most common causes. 



Disease germs may be bacteria or protozoa. They are more 

 often transmitted directly from person to person than by objects. 



The paths of infection are through the mouth, the nose and 

 breaks in the skin. 



