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30
Atmospheric Pollution
The number of complaints received by the department during 1956
in respect of smoke nuisances was 10. All these were investigated.
The Public Health Inspectors made a total of 211 timed observations on
industrial chimneys, in addition to keeping a general watch on smoke
emission from boilers.
On one day in October I arranged for continuous observations to
be made from high buildings throughout the hours of daylight in order
to obtain an overall picture of the size of the smoke problem in the
borough, As a result of this survey it would appear that Finsbury is
reasonably "clean". During the whole day no source within the
borough produced smoke in such quantity or density as to create a
serious nuisance, even the domestic sources were comparatively low.
It was thought desirable, however to send a written intimation to 9
firms from whose chimneys smoke was particularly noticeable.
Air pollution from industrial chimneys has certainly lessened
during the year as a result of improvements to boiler plants carried
out by firms and other institutions in the main because of pressure by
officers of the department.
The Council continues to co-operate with the Department of
Scientific & Industrial Research in the daily measurement of the amount
of smoke and free sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere and the monthly
measurement of deposits and sulphur dioxide content by the lead
peroxide method.
Verminous Premises and Articles
The Disinfestation Service provides for the eradication of insect
pests, viz., ants, bugs, fleas (human and animal), cockroaches,
beetles, moths, steam flies and other insects. During 1956, 382
premises were found or suspected to be verminous, and disinfection
measures were carried out.
Similar measures have been carried out on certain other occasions
on request. In all, disinfestation measures were carried out in 454
premises.
The usual method employed being the use of a spray with a 5 per
cent. solution of D.D.T. to leave a residual film; this is repeated
after 14 days if on re-inspection it appears desirable. Whenever
considered necessary bedding is also removed for steam disinfection.
As a routine measure for the control of vermin, disinfestation is
carried out in the case of tenants moving into the Council's Housing