London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Hornsey 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hornsey, Borough of]
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RODENT CONTROL
During the year no notification of the presence of rats or mice in
substantial numbers has been received. However, as the result of
complaints received, properties were inspected and treatment for the
eradication of rats or mice carried out by the rodent operator in 200
properties In many instances, as can be expected, the rat infestations
were associated with defects in the drainage system.
Following is a summary of the work carried out during 1956:—
| Properties inspected as a result of notification | 376 |
| Other properties investigated | 147 |
| Properties found to be infested:— | |
| Rats (a) Major infestations | 1 |
| (b) Minor infestations | 213 |
| Mice (a) Major infestations | 2 |
| 104 | |
| No. of infested properties treated by Rodent Operator | 200 |
| Total No. of treatments | 208 |
| No. of written notices served | 1 |
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
Apparatus for the measurement of smoke and sulphur dioxide was
installed at two sites during 1956, one site being at the Disinfecting
Station, High Street, Hornsey, and the other at the Council's Depot in
Fortis Green. A third was installed at the Town Hall in January, 1957.
The apparatus is designed to measure the concentration of smoke and
sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. A measured quantity of air is drawn
through a clean white filter paper and smoke particles are trapped on it.
The grey stain thus produced is measured by means of a reflectometer
and the reading obtained is used to estimate the weight of smoke per
100 cubic metres of the atmosphere. After passing through the filter paper
the air is bubbled through a solution of hydrogen peroxide which dissolves
the sulphur dioxide in the air forming sulphuric acid. The sulphuric
acid formed can then be measured and the amount of sulphur dioxide
calculated. Table (B) gives the figures from August to December, 1956.
In addition to the measurement of smoke and sulphur dioxide, sampling
of deposits of solid matter from the atmosphere was continued, and the
readings given on the three gauges in Hornsey are shown in table (A).
The gauge sited at the factory in Frobisher Road was moved to the
Council's Depot in Highgate in January, 1956.
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