Use of Hydrogen Cyanide in Fumigation

Abstract

THE recent tragic death of two children from hydrogen cyanide fumes following the fumigation of their home in Aldershot has directed attention to the need for stricter control of the practice of fumigation and to the need for fuller knowledge of it. For some years past I have strongly urged the need for the licensing of fumigators, and the question has, I believe, received consideration by officials of the Ministry of Health and of the Home Office. While one fully appreciates the difficulties which the licensing of fumigation presents, the dangers to which innocent members of the community are exposed justifies a serious effort to overcome them. One firm which supplies the greater part of the hydrogen cyanide used for fumigation purposes in Great Britain is playing its part by restricting supplies to fumigation firms and fumigators of known repute and competency.