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siderable cooling of the gases with the resultant emission of dark smoke and
grit. This station is used solely to supplement peak load; sudden demands for
steam on the boilers are often beyond their rated capacity which aggravates
the position.
Two plans and specifications of proposed new boiler installations were
submitted for approval.
Air Pollution.
The Smoke and Sulphur Dioxide Recording Stations set up at the Town Hall
and Poplar Technical College have remained in operation throughout the year,
and a third Station was set up in Millwall Park.
The Department has continued to co-operate fully with the Department of
Scientific and Industrial Research. During periods of fog, when heavy pollution
may be expected, special recordings are made.
Hourly Smoke Study.
Poplar was one of the boroughs co-operating with the College of General
Practitioners in a special study which sought information on the possible correlation
between any increase in respiratory disease and air pollution levels
during smogs. A sequential smoke sampler is used, operating at three hourly
or one hourly intervals. This type of experiment showed the interesting possibilities
of co-operation between the General Practitioners and the Medical
Officers of Health.
Special Research-Air Pollution and Respiratory Disease.
In connection with a Cross-Infection Study a small electrostatic precipitator
was installed during research in ward ventilation. The apparatus was in
operation during a period of smog; it was noted that all smoke haze had been
eliminated from the ward; there was no grime deposit on the windows. Several
cases with bad chests had been previously moved to this ward and it was noted
that they suffered no inconvenience or respiratory distress during the smog
as compared with similar patients in untreated wards.
The Department was able to co-operate with the Bow Hospital Group
Pathologist in this special study of air pollution in hospital wards. We were
able to demonstrate that although the smoke had been filtered out during this
period, there was no significant change in the sulphur dioxide content as
between the air inside and outside the ward.
These results were considered to be so encouraging that further experiments
should be made with a view to the creation of at least two similarly
air conditioned wards (one male - one female) in every hospital for this type
of respiratory emergency.
Trainee Public Health Inspectors.
Pour Trainee Public Health Inspectors are on the establishment of the
department, and each month two of them are seconded to the Section to assist
the Clean Air Inspector.
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