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-11 -
CANCER OF THE LUNG AND BRONCHUS
For a considerable time, research has progressed to ascertain
definitely if cigarette smoking is responsible for increasing
mortality from this cause. Nicotine and tar which are present in
cigarette smoke are believed to be cancer-producing agents, and in
some quarters it is felt that there should be regulations passed to
ensure that cigarettes are manufactured with filters, and that such
filters must effectively prevent the entry of harmful tars into the
respiratory system. Investigation is also proceeding as to the
possibility of Diesel exhaust fumes increasing the risk of lung cancer,
and from a preliminary study carried out by a senior medical officer
of the London Transport Executive it emerged that the incidence of lung
cancer amongst their employees was actually lower than for the general
population. Oddly enough, the highest rate occurred amongst men
employed in the trolley-bus engineering section, a body which is the
least exposed to exhaust fumes.
In Chelsea, during the period 1950 to 1956 (inclusive) it is
apparent that the ratio of mortality is one woman to every four men.
The following table gives in detail the number of deaths of residents:-