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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Erith 1959
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Erith]
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31
D (5)e Atmospheric Pollution
Results of Analysis
The Erith Borough Council is represented on the Thames-side Advisory Committee for the Abatement of Atmospheric Pollution. In this connection, a deposit gauge, lead peroxide gauge, and a smoke recorder are respectively in various positions, and the analysis of the contents of these gauges for 1959 are as follows: —
| Month | Deposit gauge | Lead peroxide gauge Sulphur mg/100 sq cms/day | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain in inches | Insoluble deposit Tons per sq. mile | Soluble deposit Tons per sq mile | Total Solids Tons per sq. mile | Calcium Tons per sq. mile | ||
| March | ||||||
| April | ||||||
| June | ||||||
| July | ||||||
| August | ||||||
| September | 1.81 | |||||
| October | ||||||
| November | ||||||
| December | 3.19 | |||||
The combined smoke filter and sulphur dioxide apparatus
has been in operation at the Town Hall since July
1958, the object of the plant being to assess smoke concentration,
and to measure the atmospheric content of sulphur
dioxide which is given off by the burning of coal, coke
and oil fuels. The amount of aerial sulphur dioxide is determined
by combining the sulphur dioxide contained in a
measured quantity of air with hydrogen peroxide so as to
provide a dilute solution of sulphuric acid. The concentration
of this acid is then determined by chemical titration
and from this figure, the amount of sulphur dioxide can
then be calculated.
Readings, and the results thereof are carried out and
recorded daily.
Appended below are particulars of the highest recorded
figures for the year ended 31st December, 1959: —
Smoke: Smog level Sulphur dioxide: Smog level
200 mgs per 100 cu. metres. 40 parts per 100 millions.
135.2 on 30th Jan. 77.6 on 30th Jan.
Highest 1958 reading Highest 1958 reading
127.2 on 15th Nov. 52.9 on 5th Dec.