DISINFECTION AND STERILIZATION. 187 
2. Disinfection of Bedding, Carpets, Upholstery, Etc. 
Bedding, carpets, clothing, etc., which would be in- 
jured by steam, may be disinfected by means of formal- 
dehyde gas in an ordinary steam disinfecting chamber, 
the latter to be provided with a heating and if pos- 
sible a vacuum apparatus and special apparatus for 
generating the gas. Where penetration through heavy 
articles is required the gas should be used in the pro- 
portion of not less than the amount derived from 30 
ounces of formalin for each 1000 cubic feet, the time 
of exposure to be not less than eight hours and the 
temperature of the chamber not below 110° F. 
In order to insure complete sterilization of the articles 
they should be so placed as to allow of a free circulation 
of the gas around them—that is, in the case of bedding, 
clothing, etc., these should either be spread out on per- 
forated wire shelves or loosely suspended in the cham- 
ber. The aid of a partial vacuum facilitates the opera- 
tion. Upholstered furniture and articles requiring much 
space should be placed in a large chamber, or, better, in 
a room which can be heated to the required temperature. 
The most delicate fabrics, furs, leather, and other 
articles, which are injured by steam, hot air at 230° F., 
or other disinfectants, are unaffected by formaldehyde. 
3. Disinfection of Books. 
Books may be satisfactorily disinfected by means of 
formaldehyde gas in a special room, or in the ordinary 
steam chamber, as above described, and under the same 
_. condition of volume of gas, temperature, and time of 
exposure. The books should be arranged to stand as 
widely open as possible upon perforated wire shelves, 
