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22
The average concentration of smoke for the year ended 31st March,
1957, was 23.3 milligrams per 100 cubic metres, compared with 21.0
milligrams for the previous six years—an increase of 11%, whilst the
concentration of sulphur dioxide for the same period was 7.3 parts per
100 million, compared with 6.7 parts for the previous six years—an
increase of 9%.
The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is studying
possible relationships between air pollution and mortality during the
periods of persistent fog, and in this connection additional observations
at three-hourly intervals were carried out. During the period under
review, a fog occurred, which persisted with variable density from the
early hours of 19th December to the afternoon of 20th December ;
five special observations were made and the peak concentrations reached
93.2 milligrams of smoke per 100 cubic metres and 32.3 parts of sulphur
dioxide per 100 million. A fog also occurred for a short time in the
early morning of 14th November; an average concentration of 101.1
milligrams of smoke per 100 cubic metres was recorded on this date—
the highest reading of the year.
The Chairman of the Public Health Committee, Councillor F. W.
Marshall, and the Chief Public Health Inspector are the Council's
representatives on the Standing Conference of Co-operating Bodies,
which meets twice a year.
The practical measures taken by Public Health Inspectors to mitigate
pollution of the atmosphere by smoke and grit include the taking of
smoke observations of factory chimneys ; inspection of boiler installations
; advice to boiler operatives on proper use of fuel and methods
of stoking, and discussions with managerial staff.
Thirty-two such investigations were carried out during the year.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREAPART
II—STATISTICS
Reference has been made in the preceding paragraphs to the following
tables and charts giving details in tabular form of the action taken
and visits made by the Public Health Inspectors pursuant to their
statutory duties and responsibilities in connection with environmental
hygiene and the legislative powers in force.