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Hie Borough is now strategically covered by five air pollution
stations. First impressions of an analysis of results Indicate
that the Ravenscourt Park area is the clearest, followed by
the westcott Lodge area, Hythe Road, white city Estate and westvllle
Road in that order, comparison with other nearby Boroughs
shows that, if anything, we can boast that we are ahead in the
race to get clean air.
This is no small point at a time when we believe that lung
cancer is in some way associated with atmospheric pollution.
Figures show that deaths from cancer of the lung have increased
300% here in the last 14 years, we do not know that air pollution
has increased here. The reverse seems to be more likely.
Why then has lung cancer increased?
It is difficult in our present state of knowledge to answer
this question. If, however, the cigarette theory is close to the
truth the explanation might be that never before have there been
so many heavy smokers who have smoked cigarettes for many years.
There is also the question of the increase in Bronchitis.
The effects of long continued atmospheric pollution are also serious
from this aspect. Mortality from bronchitis in England and
Wales is 20 to 50 times greater than in Scandinavian countries
where little coal is burnt. In industrial areas mortality is two
to four times as great as in the countryside (with peak rates in
the conurbations of Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield). In 1954,
for example, the death rate from bronchitis (per 100,000) was 139
in Oldham, 120 in Dewsbury, 119 in sal ford, 114 in Blackburn and
66 in Hammersmith, compared with 29 in Brighton, 34 in Oxford, 37
in Reading and 33 in Southampton. In 1955 the death rate from bronchitis
rose to 99 in Hammersmith.
The rate of invaliding from the postal service in London because
of bronchitis is considerably higher among workers in the
central area and north-east quadrant than among workers in other
London districts, and this fits in with the fact that the prevailing
south-westerly winds cause a build up of air pollution in
these areas.
The abolition of atmospheric pollution may prove to be the most
important single factor in bringing about a reduction of chronic
bronchitis.
Finally, I wish to express my appreciation of the kindness and
consideration shown to me by the Chairman and Members of the Health
Committee and to record my thanks to the staff of the Department
for the efficient manner in which they have carried out their duties
at all times during the year. The sanitary Inspectors have carried
out their work with 37% staff shortage and the district inspectors
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