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14
Smoke Abatement
Between the 6th and 9th December a four-day smoke fog enveloped
London and caused directly or indirectly some 4,000 deaths in the London
area. Between the 8th and 29th December, there were 45 deaths in
Deptford from upper respiratory diseases (bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.)
as compared with two for the corresponding period last year. Deaths
from these causes continued to be much higher than the average until
March, 1953, and were undoubtedly the consequence of serious lung
damage sustained in December. It would seem that public opinion has
at long last been stimulated by the tragedy, and the Government have set
up an investigating Committee.
This Committee presumably will examine the whole legislative and
technical field concerned with atmospheric pollution and will make some
practicable recommendations for the consideration of the Government.
It seems that on a National scale several procedures should be adopted
without delay.
Firstly, smokeless zones should be designated and created in all our
large industrial conurbations, within which all domestic grates should be
of the smokeless fuel type, the open grate eliminated and all factory
plants modified as far as possible to eliminate smoke and grit emission.
Secondly, more stringent smoke laws should be enacted with precise
legal standards laid down, more easily enforcible than at the present
by the Local Authorities.
Thirdly, all new buildings built either by private sources or by the
Local Authority should be fitted with smokeless fire grates. The open
grate is a wasteful anachronism and should be abolished.
With these measures which would be progressive and expanding, a
start at least could be made to solve these problems. A clean atmosphere
is only a degree less urgent than a wholesome water supply, an adequate
drainage system and safe food.
Our experience this year has shown how vulnerable we are to minor
climatic change. The position in regard to atmospheric pollution is a
National—nay an international scandal, which must be faced with
resolution and courage, unencumbered by foolish and uninformed
prejudice or resisted by selfish vested interests.
Offensive Trades
There is only one factory in the Borough at which an offensive trade
is carried on, i.e., a soap boiler in the St. Paul's Ward.
This business has been established for many years and is regularly
inspected and the work in general is well conducted. From time to
time complaints are received regarding unpleasant smells emanating
from the factory and under the direction of the Sanitary Inspector a great
deal of time and money has been expended by the firm in order to deal
with this matter. There is no doubt that most of the effluvia is dealt with
inside the premises, but with a business of this nature, surrounded as it