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50
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RECORDING
The Clean Air Act 1956, became fully operative on the 1st of
June, 1958, and is principally concerned with action to secure the
use of (a) smokeless fuels and (b) efficient combustion apparatus.
The existence of atmospheric pollution brings about many undesirable
conditions. It results in a lessening of sunshine and promotes the
formation of foggy conditions, which lead to corrosion of buildings,
as well as damage to a wide variety of materials. It will be recalled
that the London smog of 1952 was estimated to have caused the deaths
of 4,000 people, mainly amongst those in the higher age groups.
It will therefore be readily appreciated that atmospheric pollution
acts insidiously, in that its effects are not appreciated until such
time as works to preserve property become essential, when the physical
well-being of the populace has to be maintained against this unwelcomed,
and until now ???avoidable enemy. If these problems are not enough to
contend with, there is the economic aspect which, it is estimated, results
in the wastage of 5 to 10 million tons of fuel annually, whilst the direct
and indirect cost of pollution may well be between £100 to £150 millions
each year. To bring about an amelioration of these circumstances, industrial
and domestic fuel burning is the subject of intensified education in the
principles concerning the use of gas, electricity and a variety of
smokeless fuels, and to foster the use of efficient combustion apparatus.
The presence of smoke is undoubtedly due to the employment of unsuitable
flues, inadequate furnace draught, careless or irregular firing, with
the probable overloading of boilers, and the fact that plant and/or
appliances have gone beyond their years of efficient service.
This authority in common with many other co-operating bodies
maintains recording stations, and the readings are submitted to the
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research who assess the findings
received and issue monthly bulletins indicating the national picture as
regards atmospheric pollution.
The Council maintains two stations in the borough for the measurement
and recording of atmospheric pollution. They are situated at the following
sitesi:-
(1) Chelsea Polytechnic, Manresa Road.
(2) Chenil Galleries, King's Road.
Chelsea Polytechnic
The apparatus situated on this station consists of a standard
deposit gauge for collecting the amount of soluble and insoluble
deposits, and a lead peroxide apparatus for measuring the sulphur content
of the air0 The deposited matter is collected at the end of each month
and forwarded to The Royal Institute of Public health and Hygiene
for analysis.