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18.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
As in previous years, the programme of measuring air pollution has
continued. The standard instruments used are the deposit gauge, the
lead peroxide cylinder, and the apparatus for the daily determination
of smoke and sulphur dioxide. The first two, giving monthly readings,
have been in use throughout the country for many years. More recently,
however, increasing emphasis has been placed on daily readings of smoke
and sulphur dioxide.
In the early stages of this work, the degree of smoke was measured
by comparing the daily smoke stain visually with a standard shade card.
To eliminate the margin of error caused by the human element in this
method, an instrument based on a photo-electric cell has been developed.
During the past year all smoke stains for Stoke Newington have been
measured on this type of instrument, and it is expected that during
1961 its use will be made obligatory for this work throughout the
country.
The results obtained from the instruments installed in Stoke
Newington are given in the tables which follow. The measurement of
smoke is of particular interest in view of the steady introduction of
Smoke Control Orders. Towards the end of the year under review a portable
apparatus for daily measurement of smoke and sulphur dioxide was
constructed in the Department, and installed at Woodberry Down, but
because of difficulties in siting the apparatus, regular readings could
not be started before December. It is hoped that next year readings
will be available to compare this Smoke Control Area with the part of
the borough not yet affected by a Smoke Control Order.