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6 REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH FOR 1962
there was a considerable increase in both recordings during the smog
of 1962 as compared with 1959, 1960 and 1961. Although it is almost
platitudinous to say so, this is entirely as one would have expected.
It so happens, however, that a recent report on the 1962 incident
covering the administrative County of London is available which
shows that the amount of smoke recorded in 1962 was appreciably
less than in 1952. So far as sulphur dioxide was concerned, while
some reduction was observed, this was not as marked as the reduction
in the amount of smoke.
As regards the effect of the smog in Wandsworth on mortality, I
have also included in this Report charts which appeared in my report
to the Committee. These are shown on page 52. These charts bear
out what a number of doctors practising in the area told me that in
comparison with the smog of 10 years previously, that for 1962 was
less lethal. It is tempting to attribute this to the effects of the Smoke
Control Orders which have already been made and presumably these
would have had some effect but probably of equal importance is the
fact that the serious results of smog, particularly to elderly people
and those susceptible to chest trouble are now more readily recognised
and that wide publicity was given by means of radio and
television as to how the effects can be minimised, particularly by
staying indoors if subject to chestiness.
The general impression from comparing the 1952 and 1962 smogs
was that in 1962 there seemed to have been a less irritant effect and
that the influence of smoke control measures may be beginning to
be felt. It is certainly the case that the total deaths and deaths from
bronchitis were appreciably lower in 1962 than was the case in 1952.
In past years, I have referred to the work for and care of old people
undertaken by voluntary associations and statutory bodies and will
this year say no more than that this work continues and is a very
important part of the public health social work in Wandsworth.
During the year, Mr. J. E. Woodhead, who had been the Council
Public Analyst for many years retired from this office and I should
like to express the thanks of the Public Health Department for his
help and co-operation in food administration problems over many
years. As successor to Mr. Woodhead, the Council appointed Mr.
Derek Forbes as Public Analyst and the opportunity was taken on
Mr. Forbes taking up his appointment to review our existing practice
in relation to the sampling of foodstuffs under the Food and Drugs
Act. As a result, some comparatively minor alterations were made in
the types and proportions of certain commodities to be sampled.
Finally, I should like to thank the many people who have assisted
the work of the Health Department throughout the year, particularly
the Committees and their Chairmen with whom I have been mainly
concerned. In the earlier months of the year, the Chairman of the
Public Health Committee was Councillor Mrs. Olive Haines, who
was followed by Councillor Miss Joan Lestor. I should like to thank
both Mrs. Haines and Miss Lestor for their help in the year and also