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It will be noted from the graphs that there were the usual high peaks of
pollution by smoke in early spring and at the end of the year, It is noteworthy
however that these are very much lower than in 1953, and that the average
pollution by both smoke and sulphur compounds is less for the whole year at the
Brentford station, the averages for smoke being 0.1510 milligrarames per cubic
metre in 1953, and 0.0783 in 1954 and for sulphur dioxide, 0 0713 volumes per
million volumes of air in 1953, an do 0.0455 in 1954; a very satisfactory reduction.
This same result was not obtained at the Chiswick station where the averages
for the two years varied little.
It can be seen by the graphs of comparison between our two local stations
and the average figures for the stations in Leeds, a highly industrial town, and
Central London, that although throughout the year the amount of pollution of
the air is much less locally than in those places the difference is not so marked
as in similar graphs in former Annual Reports, the figures for the two outside
authorities having improved to a remarkable extent during 1954.
Smoke Complaints
Investigations were made into fourteen cases in which it was alleged that
atmospheric pollution was taking place. As a result of these investigations
92 visits or observations of premises were made and improvements were noted.
In the Annual Report for 1953 it was mentioned that the Inspector of Alkali
etc. Works of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government had visited the
Brentford Gas Works at the request of the Public Health Department.: This
Inspector again visited the Works in the year under review and reported that
alterations were taking place or were contemplated with a view to further imrovement
being obtained,,