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to health. Further and more general research is recommended
into other pollutants of exhaust gases such as hydrocarbons,
aldehydes, smoke and sulphur, etc.
In the light of present day knowledge, there are only 7 metals
which are more or less toxic of themselves and, of these, only
cadmium, lead and nickel represent real or potential hazards to
human health. However, there are two other metals which need
careful supervision, viz. beryllium (used in the manufacture of
springs, X-ray tubes and, with copper, in the hardening of steel)
and antimony (used with lead for storage batteries and printing
type, with copper and tin in anti-friction bearings and employed
in the production of gutterings, tank linings, cable sheaths, etc.).
Clearly, toxic metal pollution arising from industrial fall-out
and presenting hazards to human and animal life should be
regularly monitored and there is a strong case for the reduction
of additives in petrol. Ways and means must be found to control
not only these but other compounds which are, or seem likely
to become widespread contaminants.
New Legislation
The Clean Air (Measurement of Grit and Dust from Furnaces)
Regulations, 1971
These Regulations, which came into operation on the 18th
March, 1971, prescribe the requirements to be observed in
recording measurements of grit and dust emitted from certain
furnaces, the descriptions to which have now been extended.
In some cases, the local authority can be asked to make and
record the measurements.
The Clean Air (Emission of Grit and Dust from Furnaces)
Regulations, 1971
These Regulations made under Section 2 (1) of the Clean
Air Act, 1968, apply to new installations from 1st November,
1971, but their application to existing furnaces is postponed until
1st January, 1978.
Section 2 of the Act contains provisions with respect to the
emission of grit and dust from the chimneys of certain furnaces
and, in particular, empowers the making of regulations which
prescribe specific limits on the quantities which may be emitted
in particular cases. Emission of grit and dust at a higher rate
will, subject to a statutory defence of "best practicable means",
constitute an offence.
These Regulations prescribe limits applicable to certain furnaces.