Observations on the effects of formaldehyde on cockroaches and their flora: I. Survival of vaccinia virus-infected cockroaches during fumigation with formaldehyde
- Resource Type
- Authors
- B. F. Baker; W. B. Shackleton; K. McCarthy; C. A. Bartzokas
- Source
- Subject
- Flora
Cockroach
Time Factors
Immunology
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Formaldehyde
Fumigation
Cockroaches
Vaccinia virus
Biology
Virus
Microbiology
respiratory tract diseases
chemistry.chemical_compound
chemistry
immune system diseases
biology.animal
Animals
Vaccinia
Disease transmission
Feces
Research Article
- Language
- English
SUMMARYIn these studies it is shown that the common ‘British’ and ‘American’ adult cockroaches can survive exposure to formaldehyde fumigation carried out at double the strength and for four times as long as is recommended for disinfection of rooms.It is further reported that vaccinia virus ingested prior to the fumigation survives in the cockroach gut and may be excreted up to 5 days later.Since cockroaches are ubiquitous and are to be found in most hospitals, laboratories and animal houses, these findings should be considered whenever fumigation is called for.