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Clean Air:
There has undoubtedly been a decrease in the degree of atmospheric
pollution in London over the past 20 or 30 years, and in particular since the
implementation of the Clean Air Act 1956, but it remains a contributory cause
of much ill health, structural damage and drabness in our surroundings. The
condition of the air in Finsbury and its further pollution from sources within
the Borough is probably little different from that in other parts of the
Metropolis.
Measure of Atmospheric Pollution:
Since the middle of 1953 a station for measuring air pollution has been
operated in the Finsbury Health Centre in conjunction with the Department
of Scientific and Industrial Research, and monthly determinations of the
soluble and insoluble deposits have been made, together with the estimation
of the sulphur dioxide content of the air by the lead peroxide candle method.
Since March 1955 daily measurements of the smoke and sulphur dioxide by
volumetric analysis have also been made.
At the beginning of 1960 the monthly estimation of sulphur dioxide by
the first method was discontinued as it was found from experience over three
years that concordant results were arrived at by this, and the volumetric
methods. This is not necessarily the case in all areas as each of the two
methods also measures some other impurities. There is considerable daily
and seasonal variation due to the weather and no doubt the amount of fuel
consumed in the district, but there has been little change in the general level
of pollution.
Smoke Emission:
The number of timed observations made during the year of the chimneys
in industrial and commercial establishments was 221 and 28 complaints of
smoke investigated. Verbal warnings have been given where appropriate and
advice has been offered to management and their staffs. On 6 occasions in
1964 written notices were issued when contraventions of the Act or
Regulations had been observed.
Furnaces:
113 formal notifications (including 26 in 1964) have been received of
intention to install industrial furnaces since the coming into force of the
Clean Air Act, and prior approval was sought and given in one case to a
plan submitted in 1959.
Smoke Control Areas:
During the year, the survey was finalised and a report submitted to
Council regarding the fifth area to be dealt with. Subsequently the Minister
of Housing and Local Government confirmed the Finsbury (No. 5) Smoke
Control Order which becomes operative on 1st October, 1965.
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