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
East Barnet 1964
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Barnet]
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than Order No. 4, the cost per house is, however, considerably higher—
this being due to Circular No. 69/63 and the consequent increases in
amounts allowed to householders for this purpose. However, it does
give a householder a wider choice of more efficient appliances and with
a reasonable grant towards the cost.
The Council has continued to participate in the scheme for the
measurement of air pollution and the necessary equipment has been in
operation since early in 1962. The information derived from this equipment
is forwarded to a centra] laboratory and forms part of the scheme
for the estimation of air pollution in the Greater London area.
In connection with this scheme a summary or monthly readings tor the year of 1963 is appended.
| SMOKE (microgrammes per cubic metre) | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | |
| (186) | (215) | (80) | (66) | (33) | (28) | (23; | (23) | (43) | (67) | (104) | (121) | |
| Average value | 203 | 141 | 72 | 51 | 29 | 37 | 21 | 25 | 39 | 87 | 62 | 104 |
| Highest value | 524 | 536 | 176 | 260 | 81 | 107 | 41 | 63 | 108 | 193 | 198 | 552 |
| Lowest value | 44 | 8 | 28 | 0 | 6 | 11 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 23 | 4 | 16 |
| SULPHER DIOXIDE (microgrammes per cubic metre) | ||||||||||||
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | |
| (296) | (334) | (193) | (142) | (79) | (51) | (53) | (100) | (84) | (152) | (218) | (180) | |
| Average value | 341 | 252 | 195 | 167 | 76 | 84 | 67 | 53 | 90 | 191 | 143 | 203 |
| Highest value | 688 | 611 | 539 | 419 | 240 | 186 | 140 | 133 | 194 | 412 | 327 | 723 |
| Lowest value | 127 | 86 | 71 | 35 | 13 | 27 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 71 | 49 | 84 |
| (Last year's averages in brackets) | ||||||||||||
The amount of work due to the operation of the Clean Air Act
continues to increase as the number of areas becomes larger. Although
on paper an area becomes operative on the 1st October each year there
still remains a number of householders who appear to leave works
until the last moment and also a number of enquiries are received
each year regarding earlier areas.
NOISE ABATEMENT
With the coming into operation of the Noise Abatement Act, 1960,
“noise or vibration which is a nuisance” is added to the list of
Statutory Nuisances for which action can be taken under Part III of
the Public Health Act, 1936. It should, however, be noted that in the
case of noise or vibration caused in the course of a trade or business
it is a defence to prove that the best practicable means of preventing
or counteracting the noise or vibration have been adopted. Not only
may the Council take action but any three occupiers of premises who
are affected by a noise may make complaint, as to a noise nuisance,
to a justice of the peace, for action directly by the Court.
During the year, complaints were received in respect of noise from
6 premises. Of these complaints, 4 were in respect of matters which
did not constitute a nuisance within the meaning of the Act and were
minor matters. They were investigated and after discussions with the
parties concerned no further complaints have been received.
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