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! FOEMALIK DISINFECTION OF BAGGAGE 
' WITHOUT APP ABATES. 
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H 
This work was undertaken on account of the rather widespread use of 
formalin for the disinfection of baggage by sprinkling it on clothing in 
trunks, or by pouring it on absorbent material in the corners of a trunk. 
From what follows, it will be seen that the method is not a good one. 
Formaldehyd possesses an antiseptic power much stronger than any 
of the organic nontoxic substances. It has, however, distinct limita- 
tions, which must be understood in order to properly apply it to practi- 
cal disinfection. It is the object of this work to point out one of these 
limitations. 
Formaldehyd (formic aldehyd) is a complex and unstable substance. 
It exists as a gas, in solution, and as a solid. In solution it is a power- 
ful disinfectant. The gas formaldehyd is a valuable disinfectant, but is 
so unstable and so difficult to obtain in its gaseous state that its use in 
unskilled hands maj^ prove unsatisfactory. 
Formaldehyd exists in at least three well -recognized isomeric states : 
1. Formaldehyd (formic aldehyd) is a gas at ordinary temperatures, 
colorless, and possessing slight odor, but having an extremely irrita- 
ting effect upon the mucous membrane of the nose and conjunctiva. At 
a temperature of about — 20° C. the gas polymerizes into paraformal- 
dehyd, known commercially as paraform. 
2. Paraform is a white substance, unctions to the touch, soluble in 
both water and alcohol. It consists chemically of two molecules of 
formaldehyd. It is this substance which is supposed to compose the 
commercial solutions of formaldehyd, known as formalin, formol, etc. 
3. Trioxymethylen is formed by the union of three molecules of 
formaldehyd. It is a white powder giving off a strong odor of the gas. 
It is but slightly soluble in alcohol and water. 
To sum up, formaldehyd exists in three states : 
CH,0. 
Formaldehyd 
gas. 
CH2O 
1 
CH2O. 
Paraformaldehyd 
paraform. 
CH2O 
I 
CH2O 
1 
cpr.,0. 
Trioxymethylen. 
It must be plain to all who have worked with the substance known in 
commerce as formalin, formol, etc., that it can not be a 40 jier cent 
solution of the gas formaldehyd in water, as claimed. It more likely 
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