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The foregoing table shows the rainfall for the months of January to December
of the year 1919, and the amounts found of insoluble matter, tar, soot and dust,
also the soluble matter, together with the sulphates, ammonia and chlorine in the
volume collected.
The results as given by the Public Analyst have been re-calculated into metric
tons per square kilometre during each month.
One metric ton per square kilometre is equivalent approximately to 9 lbs.
per acre, or 256 tons per square mile. Although the presence of much impurity
in the atmosphere has been long known the figures given represent a definite
record of the facts.
In examining the foregoing table it will be appreciated that in the month of
February only the amount of deposit registered as falling in the City amounted to
1879 tons per square kilometre, which is equal (estimating the City as having an
area of one square mile) to no less than 48 tons avoirdupois.
Of this mass of dirt, 17| tons were soluble, and included the chemicals mentioned,
and 3(H tons were insoluble and consisted of tar, carbon and grit.
In addition to the foregoing, a daily observation has been made at mid-day
at the Guildhall of the purity of the air by a modern dry method, by which the
suspended matter can be readily demonstrated.
From the 1st of January until the 31st December the amount of the impurity
at noon has varied from half a milligramme to five milligrammes per cubic metre of
air; this latter figure includes times when there has been a fog.
It is interesting to compare the results of similar observations made at other
places, as for example, Malvern and Sheffield, where results are widely divergent.
The value of the work being carried on in connection with the examination of
the atmosphere in the City is evident and the details recorded indicate the
necessity of its continuation.
ANTHRAX-INFECTED SHAVING BRUSHES.
At the end of October I was informed by the Medical Officer of Health of one
of the Metropolitan Boroughs that a patient in his area had been notified as suffering
from Anthrax. Subsequent enquiry appeared to indicate that the source of
infection was a shaving brush of a cheap pattern imported from Japan. The
bulk from which the shaving brush used by the patient was obtained was supplied
by a City firm of wholesalers. Further reports of cases of Anthrax attributable
to the use of Japanese shaving brushes were received, and more than twelve
persons are reported to have suffered from Anthrax contracted in this manner.
In at least three instances, I regret to say that the illness terminated fatally.
As a result of investigations continuing for several months it has been found
that fifteen different patterns of brushes have in one place or another been proved
to have been infected with Anthrax. Of this number five were discovered in the
City.
ACTION TAKEN.—Enquiries were made with the object of tracing back
the brushes to the original consignment, and from each trader, through whose
business infected brushes had passed, additional information was obtained as to
their sale. Traders were notified that particular patterns were infected, and they
were instructed to stop the further sale of such brushes, and to obtain the possession
of those which might remain unsold. The Medical Officers of Health
of the various districts concerned were likewise communicated with and information
forwarded to them respecting such facts as had been elicited.
ACTION TAKEN IN RESPECT OF BRUSHES.—Certain consignments
of brushes were found to be infected with Anthrax, and as it is impossible without
a separate examination to indicate which brush is free, it was necessary to
regard each consignment from which an infected brush had been taken as one
completely infected.
The disease being notifiable in London under Section 60 of the Public Health
(London) Act, 1891, it would have been possible to certify that the disinfection
of these brushes would tend to prevent or check the spread of a dangerous infectious
disease. Notice- could then have been served upon the owners by the