Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 March 1893 — Water as a Disinfectant. [ARTICLE]

Water as a Disinfectant.

The impurities that are found in water are gathered from coming in contact with live and dead organisms at the bottom of ponds, rivers and springs. They are held in the water for long periods, and it is hard work to separate them from it. But in addition to this, water absorbs impurities from the air, which are also held in solution. For this reason water may be called the great disinfectant of nature. It gathers ana holds in it the impurities of the earth and air. It can be used as a disinfectant in the sick room, or in the living chambers. Pure, fresh, cold water is a powerful absorbent, drawing to and absorbing all sorts of impurities that float in the air. If a pan or bowl of fresh cold water is placed near the bed of a sick person it will absorb ninety per cent, of the foul germs that may be breathed from the sick one. But the water needs to be changed often. It absorbs injurious vapors in the room, and moistens the air so that sleep is made easier and better. Drinking water consequently should never stand uncovered for any length of time in the living room.—[Yankee Blade.