London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
City of London 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London, City of ]
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Bonfires — City of London (Various Powers) Act, 1954, amended by City of London (Various
Powers) Act, 1971
The situation concerning fires burnt on demolition and reconstruction sites has improved as
action can now be taken by virtue of the above-mentioned Acts. Two prosecutions were taken
against demolition contractors burning debris that produced smoke. Both were successful.
Measurement of Atmospheric Pollution
These measurements have continued throughout the year at two stations; a third station was
brought into use in March 1972, which monitors particulate matter and sulphur dioxide and is
situated in one of the City's high flats. Its situation is of a temporary nature and results are now
being compared with that of the permanent stations.
Samples of rainwater and various pollutants are collected once a month in a standard deposit
gauge situated on the roof of the Guildhall. These samples are submitted to the Corporation's
Public Analyst and the resultant analysis returned to the Health Department.
The following tables express the results of these analyses and daily concentration of smoke
and sulphur dioxide for 1972:-
TABLE 1
RAINFALL COLLECTED IN THE DEPOSIT GAUGE AT GUILDHALL FOR THE YEAR 1972.
*
| MONTH | M/M PER DAY | RETAINED WATER | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LITRES | P.H. | ||
| January | 1.62 | 3.7 | 5.2 |
| February | 1.78 | 3.8 | 5.2 |
| March | 1.48 | 3.7 | 5.2 |
| April | 1.80 | 3.3 | 5.4 |
| May | 0.72 | 1.7 | 6.8 |
| June | 0.77 | 1.8 | 6.8 |
| July | 0.89 | 1.9 | 7.2 |
| August | 0.27 | 0.6 | 6.6 |
| September | 0.43 | 1.0 | 4.6 |
| October | 0.13 | 0.3 | 4.8 |
| November | 1.1 | 4.2 | |
| December | 1.09 | 2.0 | 3.8 |