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ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
An early decision is necessary regarding the future policy of the Health Committee and the
Council in respect of the elimination of atmospheric pollution. The following information is given
to assist Members of the Committee in considering this most important matter.
1. GENERAL
Atmospheric pollution is the most important Public Health problem facing the inhabitants of
this country today, because it affects almost all parts of the country and no one can escape its ill
effects, as we all have to breathe air in order to survive. It is also important because it is one of the
few major health problems for which there is a solution that is simple to apply. If the nation is so
minded, the problem could be eliminated or reduced to negligible proportions in a relatively short
time, with immense health and economic benefits to everyone.
2. ORIGIN AND NATURE OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
The majority of materials polluting the atmosphere are derived from the combustion of fuels of
various kinds, e.g. coal, oil, wood, and their derivatives. A small proportion arises from chemical
works and dusty industrial processes.
The main pollutants derived from fuels are
1. Smoke
2. Sulphur di-oxide
3. Ash
Smoke is the visible product of combustion and consists mainly of unburned carbon and volatile
tarry matter. Its presence always indicates imperfect combustion of fuel and thus waste of fuel.
Sulphure di-oxide (SO2) is the end product of the combustion of sulphur which is present in
most fuels (in coal and coke sulphure averages about 1.5% by weight, in fuel oils from 0.4%).
Ash is the con-combustible material present in solid fuels and its proportion varies from 2-10%
depending on the quality of the fuel. Most of it remains in the domestic grate but about 0.3% of
the finest dust is carried up the flue with smoke to pollute the atmosphere.
Coal is the principle source of pollution in this country, and it gives rise to all three forms of
pollution, viz: smoke, SO2 and ash.
Coke is a smokeless fuel but still gives rise to SO2 and ash.
Oil can produce smoke and SO2 but is virtually free from ash.
3. SOURCES OF POLLUTION
The burning of coal domestically and industrially accounts for most of the pollution in the
atmosphere.
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