Sec.21a-235-23. Fumigation: Germicides

(a) Formaldehyde is in common use and is accepted as a germicide (not an insecticide). The commissioner shall permit the use of a proper formaldehyde process until further notice, provided this process is used in conjunction with an approved insecticide process. (See section 21a-235-20.)

(b) When approved by the commissioner, formaldehyde gas in the presence of moisture may be used for treating either loose materials or complete articles when the filling is not compressed to a degree in excess of the usual compression of cotton felt. Articles shall be so spaced as to allow free circulation of gas. The exhaust from the sterilizing room or cabinet shall be carried by a duct or a chimney flue extending above the roof of the building.

(c) Formaldehyde gas generated from one pint of formaldehyde solution (United States Pharmacopoeia standard) for each one thousand cubic feet of space in the sterilizing chamber is acceptable. Materials shall be treated with formaldehyde gas and moisture for at least ten hours. The minimum quantity of solution permitted is two ounces, regardless of how small the sterilizing chamber is. The solution shall be heated or boiled to release the gas. The safest and most convenient way to do this is to add to the solution one-half its weight of potassium permanganate. This boils the solution and releases the gas. To avoid boiling over, the mixing should be done in a large pail. The gas shall be disseminated throughout the chamber so as to reach all parts of the materials treated. Sufficient moisture in the chamber may be produced by thoroughly sprinkling the floor of the chamber with warm water before commencing to sterilize. The room shall be gas tight and equipped with air inlet and outlet. (An exhaust fan will greatly facilitate the removal of dead gases and fumes after sterilization is completed.) Tight closure gates or valves shall be provided for both inlet and outlet. Shelves shall be of lattice construction. This process is not suitable, and shall not be approved, for complete sterilization of any materials or articles. For complete sterilization, an approved insecticide shall be used in addition to formaldehyde.

(Effective July 27, 1984)