W.E.A.

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 50, 27 August 1925, Page 14

W.E.A.

DISINFECTANTS' AND FUMIGA-

TION METHODS.

A lecture on the above subject was given.by Dr. Boyd, Medical Officer of Health, on Monday evening at the Trades Hall, Vivian street, to the class in Sanitation and Public Hygiene organised by... the Workers' Educational Association. •

The terms "disinfectant," "antiseptic," and "deodorant" were defined. It was explained that a "disinfectant" must be a germicide, but that an "antiseptic" does not necessarily kill bacteria or germs t but merely prevents thleir multiplication. A . "deodorant;' replaces one smell by another, either by chemical action or by masking an offensive smell by one more pleasant. The characteristics of the chief disinfectants were dealt with and their suitability for various purposes explained. The methods employed in the disinfection of premises following on an outbreak of infectious disease were fully explained, and the precautions that experience has shown to be necessary in the use of some disinfectants were indicated.

The subject of c central "Disinfecting and Cleansing Stations" for the larger cities was next discussed, and the need for such stations under municipal control in New Zealand was emphasised. Municipal disinfecting and ". cleansing stations, besides being of great bene-fit-to the health and well-being of a community, would be largely availed of by business firms and would be a,paying proposition. An interesting discussion took place after the lecture.