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Appendix 4
"SMOG"
Report to Public Health Committee—13th October, 1953
The early morning fog which we have recently been experiencing
must have reminded many people of the unpleasant days towards
the end of 1952, when London had its first experience of a
real " smog." We all hope that this experience will not be repeated,
although this is something about which we cannot be sure.
Following the last meeting of the Public Health Committee, 1
addressed a letter to Sir John Charles, Chief Medical Officer to the
Ministry of Health. My letter was passed on to Dr. Beattie, the
Principal Medical Officer who is especially concerned with atmospheric
pollution. Dr. Beattie wrote me a letter on the subject, asking
me to call at the Ministry. 1 did so on the 15th September, when
I had a long and interesting conversation with Dr. Beattie. It
appeared that my letter was the first approach which the Ministry
had had from a Medical Officer of Health ; it further appeared that
they were very impressed by the fact that a local authority had
thought it expedient to consult them on the subject.
Dr. Beattie made it clear that a great deal of work had been
done and is still being done in trying to ascertain the possible cause
or causes of " smog," and in seeking to prevent a repetition. It
will be realised that this is not an easy matter, since many factors
are involved. One cannot expect a solution to these problems
merely by a wave of the hand : the whole subject bristles with
difficulties, and must be tackled as a long-term policy which is very
closely linked with atmospheric pollution generally and with the
various ways in which smoke can be prevented from finding its
way into the atmosphere above and around towns.
Until a solution is found, we agreed that we must look at the
matter from a realistic point of view. In other words, we must be
prepared for fogs during the winter months, and be ready to meet
them on their own ground. Although the possibility of sulphurous
fogs cannot, indeed must not be overlooked, this does not mean
that we need go in fear and trembling, casting anxious eyes at the
sky as soon as autumn is upon us. On the other hand, we should
be prepared for a sudden emergency, and make such plans as are
possible to meet a possible crisis.
Dr. Beattie agreed that such suggestions as the mass evacuation
of old people from London when a " smog " appears, and the
wearing of masks by old people during foggy weather, have no
practical value ; indeed, they are almost unthinkable. He did,
however, equally agree that, during foggy weather, old people
should remain indoors so far as is possible. One must admit that
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