View report page

It has been demonstrated that the intensity of light
in smoke polluted areas is only half that in a rural area, and
that the ultra-violet radiation is reduced to an even greater
degree. On many winter days the sun may bo observed as a red
ball in the sky due to the fact that much of its power has been
obscured by smoke particles.
One of the most important positive values of sunlight is
the way in which it promotes healthy bone growth in children.
Adequate light promotes sturdy development and well-formed bodies
preventing such deficiency diseases as rickets.
It should not be necessary to take out children to the
sea-side or to the country for sunshine and fresh air. These
should be available all the year round in their home town.
Sunlight is more directly essential to plant life than
any other form of life, and in a smoky district the sunlight is
not only reduced by the smoke haze, but also by the coating of
soot that accumulates on the leaves. The result is that
plants do not develop as they should.
The remedy is to bo found in the co-operation of everyone,
factory owners, engineers, stokers and householders to
ensure that they are not responsible for pollution of the
atmosphere.