STUDIES ON AIRCRAFT DISINSECTION AT "BLOCKS AWAY" IN TROPICAL AREAS

Abstract

During 1962 experiments on disinsection of aircraft passenger cabins at "blocks away" (i.e., after the doors have been closed following embarkation but before take-off) were conducted with single-use, disposable aerosol dispensers in various types of commercial aircraft operating in the tropics. The favourable results of these trials and of previous trials in temperate zones indicate that this method is suitable as a standard procedure for aircraft disinsection for international quarantine purposes.The biological effectiveness of the SRA formulation against susceptible mosquitos and its non-irritancy to passengers render it suitable as a standard formulation for aircraft disinsection. The G-1492 formulation-effective against resistant and non-resistant mosquitos-could be used where insecticide-resistance is proved, although it is slightly irritant to some passengers. Both formulations are described. The authors suggest that further research is needed to develop a safe formulation that is effective against resistant and non-resistant insects and yet not irritant to passengers and crew.