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19.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
The systematic measurement of air pollution was continued during
1957, and was extended by the provision of apparatus to give daily
readings of sulphur dioxide. In this apparatus, which is combined
with the daily smoke filter, air is drawn through hydrogen peroxide
which absorbs any sulphurous gases contained in the air. The acidity
of the exposed solution is found by titration and from the result, the
amount of sulphur dioxide in the air is calculated. This work,
together with the daily smoke readings, is carried out by members of
the staff.
During periods of heavy fog, the Department has again co-operated
with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in their investigation
on the formation of smoke. Frequent smoke readings, each
covering only a few hours, were taken during these periods, and the
records sent to the Fuel Research Station at Greenwich.
As in previous years, the monthly readings of sulphur dioxide and
of deposited pollution were carried out. Summarised results of these
observations are shown in the following tables.