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
Barking 1933
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barking]
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48
9. ULTRA-VIOLET LIGHT RADIATION.
The following table shows comparatively the ultra-violet light readings for 1932 and 1933; for comparative purposes we have included corresponding figures for Southend for the year 1933:—
| Month | Daily Average for Barking | Daily Average for Southend | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932 | 1933 | 1933 | |
| Units | Units | Units | |
| January | 1.00 | 0.76 | 0.68 |
| February | 0.60 | 0.78 | 0.82 |
| March | 0.84 | 0.92 | 1.74 |
| April | 1.50 | 1.50 | 2.20 |
| May | 0.70 | 4.00 | 2.74 |
| June | 1.12 | (Reading not taken) | 4.00 |
| July | 1.07 | 4.74 | 4.03 |
| August | 1.51 | 5.45 | 4.52 |
| September | 1.40 | 4.06 | 3.90 |
| October | 1.25 | 1.48 | 1.68 |
| November | 1.56 | 0.86 | 0.50 |
| December | 1.00 | 0.96 | 0.33 |
The apparatus we used was that designed by Professor Leonard Hill, known as
the "test by fading "instrument. The biologically active ultra-violet rays are measured
by the fading of a standard solution of acetone and methylene blue.
10. SCHOOLS.
There are fourteen elementary schools, in addition to the Park Modern School,
the Faircross Special School, and the Abbey Secondary School. With the exception
of the Abbey Secondary School, which is not within the district, sanitary inspections
are regularly carried out in order that any unsatisfactory conditions may be remedied.
Upon complaints being made, any necessary work is usually carried out forthwith.
It has not been found necessary to close any department of the schools as a result
of infectious disease.
11. PARKS AND OPEN SPACES.
Last year, with reference to the three hundred acres of parks and open spaces in
Barking, I said I could think of no better way of investing public money to promote
health than by the provision of these open spaces, swimming baths, tennis courts, cricket
pitches, and other facilities for healthy recreation.
I am happy to be able to tell you that the public of Barking have very fully availed
themselves of the facilities you have provided.