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- 47 -
Early in the year, a report on Atmospheric Pollution was submitted
to the Public Health and Baths Committee , and as a result it was
resolved that the Committee reconmend that the Metropolitan Boroughs"
Standing Joint Committee be informed
(a) that the Council is prepared to consult with them
with a view to considering the co-ordination of a
smoke control area or areas with other local
authorities, and
(b) the Council considers that the London County Council
should adept, as soon as possible, a building byelaw
under Section 24 of the Clean Air Act, 1956. on
the lines of the model issued by the Minister of
Housing and Local Government.
Atmospheric Pollution contributes vastly to reduced hours of
sunshine and the creation of fog. The latter condition results in
severe damage to buildings, works of art, &c. It is estimated that
a loss of between 100 and 150 million pounds results each year from
atmospheric pollution; in addition, the inefficient use of fuel entails
a further annual wastage of five to ten million tons. The effects
upon the health of the population must not be overlooked,, It will be
recalled that in the London smog experience of 1952, some 4,000 deaths
were directly attributed to this visitation, whilst increased
morbidity was subsequently maintained for some time, Annual statistics
show that in England and Wales,, Bronchitis accounts for 30,000 deaths
in each year, and that Lung Cancer mortality has risen from approximately
11,000 in 1949 to more than 18,000 in 1956. From an economic aspect it
must also be considered that 26 million working days are lost annually,
due solely to the incidence of Bronchitis.
Recording stations are maintained in this Borough, and data obtained
is submitted to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
each month for collation0 The following table shows the degree of
pollution ruling in Chelsea, compared with that found in a country
district and an industrial district during 1957o
Chelsea
Country
Districts.
Industrial
District
Daily total soluble
and insoluble
deposits (tons per
square mile)
Daily sulphur
content in
milligrams. SO3
0.611 0.240 0.760
3.29 0.54 1.95