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52
monthly concentrations. Indeed, the highest daily concentrations
of both smoke and sulphur dioxide occurred on 7th and 8th
December.
Deaths began to increase sharply on the 8th and continued at an
abnormally high level until the 13th after which there was a gradual
return to normal figures. This rise and fall of deaths follows
closely the pattern of the daily concentrations of sulphur dioxide in
the atmosphere.
Sulphur dioxide is an irritant gas known to cause damage to
ung tissue and there would appear from our observations to be a
direct relationship between the concentration of SO2 in the atmosphere
and the deaths from respiratory and circulatory causes.
Defective Dwellings.—Repairs.—With regard to houses
found not to be in a reasonable state of repair, the following
procedure, classified under three headings, is generally adopted :—
(1) Complaints from or on behalf of the occupier.—The District
Sanitary Inspector makes inspection and an intimation is sent to the
owner specifying the defect and nature of nuisance found. Where
necessary, the circumstances are reported to the Public Health
Committee for authority to serve a Statutory Notice to enforce
abatement of the nuisance. The premises are re-inspected by the
Sanitary Inspector and, if work required is not executed within a
reasonable period, Statutory Notice is served. In cases of noncompliance
the Town Clerk is instructed to institute proceedings.
(2) Sanitary defects due to depreciation of property.—Depreciation
of property usually occurs as a result of the owners' inability to
carry out repairs during the war period. A Notice is served on the
owner by the Sanitary Inspector, and where expenditure exceeds
£200 (from 1st January, 1953 this amount has been raised to £500)
it is necessary for a licence to be obtained before the work is allowed
to proceed.
(3) Housing defects.—These are cases where the conditions are
such that they cannot be remedied under the procedure of the
Public Health (London) Act, 1936, and are dealt with under the
Housing Act, 1936, as being houses unfit for human habitation.
Representations are made to the Public Health Committee to
consider as to whether such houses can be repaired at a reasonable
cost having regard to the value of the premises, or whether Closing
and Demolition Orders should be made.