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27
[1922
deaths from the diseases of the respiratory system.
(Exclusive of Tuberculosis and Influenza).
These diseases, which include Chronic and Acute Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Pleurisy
and Asthma. caused 903 deaths, or 186 more than in 1921. They were equal to a death-rate
of 2.70 per 1.000 of the civil population, and represented 19.6 per cent. of the total deaths
registered in the Borough.
Acute Bronchitis.-There were 130 deaths as compared with 96 in the previous
year 64 occurred among males, and 66 among females. The deaths of 18 infants under
12 months were registered.
Chronic Bronchitis. 277 deaths were ascribed to it, 145 being males and 132
females. This return is 43 above that for 1921.
Pneumonia (All forms).—442 deaths were registered, of which 247 were males and
195 females. They are 110 more than the number who died in 1921. It was very fatal
to infants under a year old, among whom it caused 97 deaths, while between the ages of
1 and 5 years 134 died from it. Above 5 years of age the deaths numbered 211.
111 Deaths occurred in Public Institutions, chiefly the Workhouse Infirmaries.
Pleurisy—Of this disease 12 deaths were registered. 4 deaths occurred in Public
Institutions.
Asthma and Emphysema.—Seventeen deaths were recorded from these diseases,
16 of which were adults.
Other Diseases of the Respiratory System.—Twenty five deaths were
registered, as contrasted with 28 in 1921.
VENEREAL DISEASES.
Seventeen deaths were ascribed to these diseases, as compared with an equal number
in 1921. Of these 12 were males and 5 females. The mean deaths of the preceding ten
years 1912-21, were also 17.
The annual average number of deaths recorded during ten years from them at three
groups of ages has been as follows: Under 1 year, 10 deaths, 1-5 years, 1 death, and over
5 years, 6 deaths, making an average total of 17 per annum.
The treatment centres for these diseases are the Royal Northern Hospital, Holloway
Road, N., and the Royal Free Hospital, Gray's Inn Road, W.C.
DEATHS FROM COAL-GAS POISONING.
During the year 16 deaths were registered from asphyxia caused by the inhalation of
carbon-monoxide gas.
Fifteen of these deaths were attributable to suicide, while the cause of the remaining
death was doubtful as to whether it was accidental or otherwise.
Of the 16 deaths. 11 were males and 5 females, the ages ranging from 24 to 70 years.
ACCIDENTAL DEATHS.
The deaths due to accident numbered 94. Of this number 32 deaths were due to
vehicular traffic. Although the number due to this cause is showing a reduction in recent
years, it is notorious that in London the regulation of street traffic still permits the passage
of vehicles on the near side while passengers are alighting from tramcars and buses. In
other large cities there are special by-laws, and the ruthless action of drivers in dashing past
standing public vehicles can be summarily dealt with.