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A prepared surface of lead peroxide, desposited on a 10 em. square of cotton fabric wrapped round
a porcelain cylinder, is exposed to the atmosphere for one month. To protect the lead peroxide from
the direct action of rain while still permitting the free access of air, the instrument is housed in a
louvred box. The quantity of lead sulphate formed during the month's exposure is determined by
chemical analysis, and provides a measure of the average concentration of sulphur dioxide at the
station during the month. The results are usually expressed as milligrams S03 per 100 sq. cm. per
month.
The mean values recorded during 1941 at the stations at Golden Lane and Finsbury Circus
Gardens were respectively 2.74 and 2.53 mg. SO3 per 100 sq. cm. per month. Comparative values
at other places are as follows: Godalming 0.42, Walsall 2.83, Westminster (City Hall) 2.95.
The annual variation in the monthly values at these stations is shown graphically in Figure 4.
It will be seen that the individual observations for each month vary considerably, the highest of the
four stations in any month being 5.60 in February at Golden Lane and the lowest (excluding Godalming)
being 1.08 in June and August at Finsbury Circus Gardens. The results at Godalming (a maximum
of 1.26 and a minimum of 0.05, with an average of 0.42) indicate a negligible sulphur activity. This
was to be expected since the instrument is situated two miles out of the town in open country.
Fig.4 Monthly variation of sulphur dioxide. 1949.
(Lead peroxide method).
The extent of atmospheric pollution due to sulphur dioxide in the area of the City is roughly
what would be expected in a district of its type. It is less than that found in certain other parts of
London and is generally lower than that associated with the heavy industrial areas.
Staff.
The members of your staff in this department have carried out their duties with efficiency, tact
and courtesy during the year, and have secured compliance with the sanitary legislation without
recourse to the Courts.
I have pleasure in reporting that Mr. J. C. Wilson, one of the General Grade Assistants in the
Meat Inspector's Office, was successful in passing the Royal Sanitary Institute's Examination,
qualifying him to become a Sanitary Inspector. He is continuing his studies in order to obtain his
qualification as a Meat Inspector.
Mr. T. Steggles, the Keeper of the Mortuary and Cleansing and Disinfection Station retired on
pension after serving the Corporation for over 31 years. He was 70 years of age and had previously
been employed by the Finsbury Borough Council for 16 years. During the war years he rose splendidly
to the unforeseen difficulties and responsibilities of his positions, in regard to fatal casualties resulting
from the bombing of the City. I was very sorry indeed to lose the services of such an experienced and
dependable member of my staff.
I was also sorry to lose the services, through ill-health, of Mr. W. F. Kingshott, one of the staff
of the Mortuary.
I have the honour to be
Your obedient Servant,
CHAS. F. WHITE,
Medical Officer of Health.