Disinsection of aircraft with a mechanical dispenser of DDVP vapour.

In-flight and on-ground tests in commercial aircraft have demonstrated the feasibility of using DDVP (O,O-dimethyl-2,2-dichlorovinyl phosphate) vapour for disinsection purposes. Treatment of the passenger compartments of DC-6 and DC-7 aeroplanes was accomplished by passing cabin air through a fibrous cartridge impregnated with DDVP. The DDVP-charged air stream was distributed from the cartridge into the passenger compartment through small orifices, spaced 3 feet apart, in metal tubing suspended at ceiling height along the longitudinal axis of the cabin. Further distribution of the vapour was effected by the air currents of the ventilating system. During in-flight tests, vapour concentrations of 0.20 and 0.24 mug of DDVP per litre of air gave 100% mortalities of caged houseflies located at 12 sites at three different levels and exposed for 30 minutes. No effect of the vapour was noticed on the cholinesterase levels of three individuals exposed to the treatment during 24 tests.