Evening star., 1942-10-02
0CD Outlines Methods
OF Protecting Foods
From Bombing Hazard
Proper Sealing Is Secret
Of Eliminating Cos
Danger, Say Findings

Methods of protecting foods in
the home from contamination dur
ing an air raid. particularly from
the effects Of poison gas, were out
lined today by the National Office
Of Civilian Defense.
The four major factors attendant
on air raids which may result in
food contamination, according to
G.. E. Arnold, sanitary engineer of
the Ninth Civilian Defense Region,
who made the food study, are flying
glass. smoke and gases from explod-
ing bombs and shells, dust raised by
nearby explosions and poison gas.
Naturally" the OCD statement
pointed out. a direct hit by high
explosive bomb will damage food
supplies in the home, but since it
probably will demolish the building
itself there is little that the house
holder can do about that"
On other scores, however, OCD
contended that almost complete pro-
lection Of foods could be provided.
Urges Storage for Vegetables.
For protection against flying glass,
OCD recommended that all foods
commonly stored in the open. such
as potatoes and other vegetables.
cereals in paper cartons and cured
meats, should be stored in closets,
heavy cupboards, closed wooden bins
and similar places where they can
not be reached by glass splinters.
Pointing out that if foods are pro-
tected against poison gases. they
will be equally safe from dust and
smoke raised by explosions, OCD
suggested that care should be taken
in storing food so that it cannot be
shaken from shelves and containers
broken by falling.
Sealing food is the secret of pro-
tecting it against gas. OCD stated.
Among the best of the containers
which offer complete protection
against war gases. according to
OCD, are glass jars and bottles with
screw caps or good shoppers and tin
cans with tight fitting lids. Flour,
cereals, sugar. rice and similar non-
perishable foods may be safely
stored in this manner, with the con-
tainers wrapped in paper before be-
ing put away If they are reserved
supplies, it was said.
The ordinary type Of domestic re-
frigerator is adequate protection for
perishable foods if the door forms a
reasonably alright seal, OCD said,
adding that If there was any doubt
about the safety of the refrigerator,
closed containers might be used in 1t.
Relative Values.
Mr.. Arnold rated the relative pro-
tective value Of a number of mate
rails for packing foodstuffs as fol-
lows:
Complete protection against poison
gas or vapor and liquid poison gas
sealed metal drums. sealed metal
lined cases. casks and sealed cans
and glass bottles, glazed earthen-
ware vessels with well-fitting STOP
pers or lids of glass, metal, bakelite
or similar impervious materials.
Fairly good protection against gas
or vapor and good protection against
liquid gas-cans with wen-fitting
lids but not sealed, bottles or glazed
vessels with ordinary cork shoppers
Complete protection against poison
gas and complete protection against
liquid gas except in cases Of heavy
and prolonged continuation -
sealed wooden barrels such as are
used for transporting and holding
liquids
Wooden boxes and thick cardboard
boxes were considered good protec-
ton against gas or vapor if all joints
are tight but poor protection against
liquid gas, and paper containers,
sacks, canvas and other textiles were
considered of no protective value.