TREATMENT OF THE SICK ROOM 267 



of some gaseous disinfectant. One occasionally used is sul- 

 phiLr fumes. The best method of applying it is, first, to 

 close tightly all cracks, and then to place the sulphur in a 

 metal dish in the middle of the room, preferably putting 

 the vessel in a tub containing an inch or two of water. 

 A little alcohol is poured upon the sulphur, which is then 

 ignited and the room quickly closed. Five pounds of sul- 

 phur should be burned for every thousand feet of space, 

 and the room should be left closed for twenty-four hours. 

 While such sulphur fumes are not a perfect disinfectant, 

 in practice the method has been found satisfactory. 



Formaldehyde gas is now the most widely used disinfect- 

 ant for this purpose. This gas may be obtained in a variety 

 of ways, one of the simplest being the burning of formalin 

 candles, which may be purchased at drug stores. These have 

 directions for use printed upon them, but it is best to use 

 more of the candles than are usually recommended if one 

 wishes to be sure of the results. It is usually best to rely 

 upon the health officer to see that the disinfection is properly 

 done. After the use of the gaseous disinfectant all windows 

 should be thrown open to allow a free access of air. 



Disinfection by gas cannot be absolutely relied upon, 

 and there are always possibilities of a disease reoccurring 

 in the room if it is occupied immediately. It is therefore 

 wise, where possible, to leave the room unoccupied for 

 some time after it is vacated by the patient, but this is 

 not absolutely necessary. It should perhaps also be stated 

 that if the room is thoroughly washed with a disinfectant 

 solution, and thoroughly aired, the use of the gaseous dis- 

 infectant is unnecessary ; and if the gaseous disinfectant 

 is thoroughly applied, the washing is unnecessary ; either 



