London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Kensington 1952
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington Borough]
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-11-
On two occasions all the sewers in the Borough were
dealt with by poison bait, and it was estimated that in the
first treatment 5,982 rats were destroyed; and in the second
4,133 rats were killed.
Sewer baiting was carried out in co-operation with
contiguous Local Authorities.
The rodent staff deal with infestations from pests other than rats and mice, and the following is a summary of all action taken during the year:-
| Complaints investigated | 1,332 |
| Premises inspected following complaints | 1,386 |
| Premises where rats were found | 361 |
| Premises where mice were found | 657 |
| Premises where other vermin were found | 163 |
| Premises where no infestation existed | 205 |
| Number of visits made | 8,211 |
| Number of notices served | 36 |
| Premises successfully treated | 1,135 |
| Cases in which advice only was given | 107 |
| Borough Council properties dealt with | 81 |
Public Mortuary
The number of bodies taken to the mortuary during the
year was 495. Inquests were held in 80 cases.
Destruction of Pigeons
In order to deal with the nuisance and damage occasioned
by the activities of wild pigeons, the Council have for many
years authorised a pigeon-catcher to catch pigeons on the
highway. He is provided, when necessary, with suitable
pigeon food for bait. Nine complaints of nuisance caused
by pigeons were passed to him for investigation during the
year.
Atmospheric Pollution
The dense smoke-fog which occurred in London between
the 5th and 8th December, 1952, gave a striking illustration
of the loss of life which results from gross atmospheric
pollution.
The following table shows the deaths from (a) bronchitis and pneumonia and (b) heart disease registered in the County of London for November and December, with the Kensington figures in brackets:-
| Week-ended | (a) | (b) | Totals | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths from bronchitis & pneumonia | Deaths from heart disease | ||||||
| November 1. | 67 | (4) | 223 | (3) | 290 | (7) | |
| 8. | 74 | (6) | 226 | (5) | 300 | (11) | |
| 15. | 74 | (8) | 247 | (6) | 321 | (14) | |
| 22. | 77 | (8) | 264 | (2) | 341 | (10) | |
| 29. | 101 | (7) | 312 | (2) | 413 | (9) | |
| December 6. | 121 | (14) | 318 | (2) | 439 | L (16) | |
| 13. | 872 | (30) | 801 | (11) | 1,673 | (41) | |
| 20. | 521 | (24) | 457 | (8) | 978 | (32) | |
| 27. | 275 | (15) | 325 | (5) | 600 | (20) | |
In 1953, following a recommendation by the Metropolitan
Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee, the Council agreed to