Standardisation of Disinfectants

Abstract

TIIE steadily increasing demand for disinfectant, due in great measure .JL to the fact that the general public are acquiring a better knowledge of the true cause of zymotic disease, has so stimulated invention that many chemical products of undoubted value have been introduced in recent years, but the makers of these genuine articles have to compete with others whose preparations are not only worthless but actually dangerous, since the use of such products gives rise to a false sense of security.There can be no doubt that tlle public should know that disinfection-that is the killing of disease germs-is by no means a simple operation, and that the control of disease by this means should form part of the routine work in every sanitary area under the direction of the Medical Officer of Health.At tlle same time it is absolutely necessary that the c:flicic,llcy of all disinfectants sold as such should have, if not a Government guarantee, at least a mlker's warranty which is capable of being checked.As the Medical Officer of Health can only generally control the area under , his jurisdiction, the choice of a disinfectant will at times rest with the medical man in charge, the nurse, or the householder, and they require such directions as will ensure freedom from error, and such descriptions of strength as will render the operations as certain as possible.When it is recollected that one case of infectious disease improperly treated is liable to become the source of many others, and that differences of practice in regard to notification obtain in different parts of the kingdom, it will be recognised that this subject is one of more thrall professional Interest.It is a notorious fact that at present there exists no official control over the sale of disinfectants, with the exceptions of those set fortll in the Privy Council Orders of July 27th, 1900, and June 5th, 1902.' , .TABLE II.-B.Coli, 24 ho2c~~s l3rotla Culture at 370 C. Room Temperature 15°-18° C. True relative VttlLie.