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The air in the Council's vehicular tunnels under the River Thames was regularly
examined in order to ensure that carbon monoxide, nitrous fumes, lead and soot contents
remained within safe and desirable limits. The volume of motor traffic was the greatest
yet recorded but the forced ventilation was efficiently adjusted to remove carbon
monoxide and, of 205 samples taken, only seven were above the specified limit of 250
parts per million. The highest individual figure being 460 parts per million. There was,
some increase in the amount of black suspended matter, which is considered to be
related to the increase in diesel-engined vehicles which produce less carbon monoxide
than their petrol counterparts.
Other work included the examination of disinfectants, and advice was given on
the methods for sterilising such various articles as children's chambers, plastic tableware,
soft toys and firemen's breathing apparatus, also on the steps needed to maintain
children's sand pits in hygienic condition. Powder colours and modelling clay to be
used by children were examined to ensure that toxic pigments were absent. Other
matters in which advice was given to avoid possible dangers and safeguard health
included the use of maleic hydrazide (known as MH) to stunt the growth of grass,
and the use within the Council's educational services of lead glazing for pottery making.
Public control
Under the Fertiliser and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1926, for which the Scientific Adviser is
the Official Agricultural Analyst to the County, of the 99 samples examined, 57 varied,
in some way, from the Statutory Statements or Voluntary Warranties given by the
vendors, but only in three cases were the variations to the disadvantage of the purchaser.
Many samples were examined under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928, the
provisions of which govern licences for storage and safety precautions regarding
petroleum spirit and petroleum mixtures. Of these, 43 samples were found to come
within the provisions of the Act. Visits of inspection were made to premises using
inflammable solvent in licenced processes to ensure that the content of petroleum
vapour did not exceed the limit prescribed for safety. Advice was sought in several
instances on premises and processes employed to which the London Building Acts,
1930-39, applied. The means of escape clause and the danger of fire and/or explosion
are matters frequently requiring scientific consideration. The officers of the branch
were also concerned with the Bread Order, S.I. 1283/1953, the Prepacked Food Order,
1950, the London County Council (Celluloid, etc.) Act, 1915, etc.
Parks
Although some work was done for this department on fertilisers, soils and other matters
of horticultural interest, the major item related to the open-air swimming baths provided
for public use. The Council has under its control 15 open-air swimming baths and
20 indoor baths situated at various institutions. In conjunction with the officers of the
Chief Engineer's department, considerable research on the subject of control has been
done in the branch to ensure efficient water treatment and pleasant bathing. A careful
check is kept on the condition of the water by means of daily tests performed by bath
attendants and periodic visits by officers of the branch. The favourable weather during
much of 1955 led to increased attendances at the baths, and generally the new installations
and methods adopted proved effective for the loading.
School meals, education and children's departments
The work done in co-operation with the School Meals and Catering Department was
continued and 72 meals were analysed for fat, protein, carbohydrate, mineral contents
and calorific value in order to ascertain that the standards aimed at were being provided
by the kitchens. The results showed a good approximation to the requirements of the
various nutritional factors for the age groups concerned. Visits to the laboratories of
kitchen supervisors were organised in order to demonstrate how the work in the kitchen
and the analytical results obtained in the laboratory are related.
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