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Inevitably, the greater quantities of dust and grit are emitted
from industrial furnaces but, because of its low burning temperature,
the domestic fire is responsible for a smoke much higher in hydrocarbon
or tar content. However, industrial pollutants are usually
dispersed at high levels resulting in greater dilution by the time the
street is reached. Domestic smoke, on the other hand, is discharged
at low level from short flues with the result that it lingers and eddies
and thus constitutes a greater hazard to the local inhabitants.
Since the introduction of the Clean Air Act in 1956, atmospheric
smoke and grit have been substantially reduced and although
the degree of air pollution is influenced by such factors as season
and weather, it is evident that the improvement in the London
atmosphere in recent years has been due to the increasing use of
clean fuels and efficient heating appliances.
Today, there is growing concern about another source of pollution,
viz. that from motor vehicle exhausts. Properly maintained
diesel engines would seem to be blameless but, for the heavy pollution
of air near ground level, the petrol-engined vehicle is being
indicted.
In an effort to control not only this problem but a number of
others, a Bill was brought before Parliament in November of the
current year which seeks to control the emissions from motor
vehicles, to ban the sale of unauthorised fuels in smoke control areas
and to make the control of smoke emissions more effective.
Clean Air Act, 1956
Fully operative from 1st June, 1958, this Act contains provisions
relating to the installation of new furnaces, smoke control areas,
height of chimneys, research and publicity, etc., and has, as its aim,
four main purposes:-
(1) To limit smoke from existing sources.
(2) To prevent new sources of industrial smoke.
(3) To minimise dust and grit emission.
(4) For the first time in nationally applied legislation-to bring
about the progressive elimination of domestic smoke.
Pollution problems concerning the emission of fumes and
noxious gases from industrial premises such as iron and steel works,
cement works, chemical plants, gas works and power stations, etc.,
come under the jurisdiction of the Alkali Inspectorate.
In accordance with the Alkali, etc. Works Order, 1958, the
Minister of Housing and Local Government indicated the works
located in the Borough which are subject to the control of the
Alkali Inspector under the Alkali, etc. Works Regulation Act; the
works include such industries as metal smelting and synthesis, gas
works, electricity generation, etc. In these instances, however, it is
understood that the Alkali Act deals only with the particular proces-