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
Chislehurst 1962
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Chislehurst]
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45
The Inspectorial staff also keep observation on rivers and
streams principally to detect pollution, and 60 visits were made for
this purpose.
A watch is also kept for rodent infestation in the banks where
rubbish is liable to accumulate and any infested lengths are treated.
Rainfall and Flooding.
1962 may be remembered for the unseasonableness of its summer.
Nevertheless, statistics show it to have been exceptionally
dry, a total 17.76 inches being recorded. The seven months from
February to August yield only 8.52. This compares with a yearly
total of 23.7 inches in 1961 and 32.86 in 1960.
Monthly figures for 1962 are as follow:—
| January | 2.64 ins. | July | 1.92 ins. |
| February | 0.42 ins. | August | 1.32 ins. |
| March | 1.12 ins. | September | 2.44 ins. |
| April | 1.66 ins. | October | 1.18 ins. |
| May | 1.76 ins. | November | 1.12 ins. |
| June | 0.32 ins. | December | 1.86 ins. |
| Total | 17.76 ins. | ||
| Total rainfall 1961 | 23.7 ins. |
There were no storms of any note during the year, the heaviest
rainfall occurring on 26th July, when 0.70 in. fell in four hours,
giving the maximum intensity of approximately 1 in. per hour for
ten minutes. The total rainfall on that day was 0.86 in.
RODENT CONTROL.
One rodent operative is attached to the department.
A further increase in infestation is recorded. This would
appear to be due to some natural cycle, although it is noted that
dry weather is favourable to the multiplication of rodents. Complaints
rose to 420 (414 in 1961 and 320 in 1960) and it was
found necessary to treat 879 premises compared with 601 in the
previous year.
Extermination of rats in the vicinity of dwelling houses is carried
out by the rodent operative at no charge to the occupier. A
small charge, based on the cost of time and materials used, is levied
on occupiers of business premises for the services of the operative.