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fogs penetrate indoors, espcially the vicious type of fog which we
remember so well. None the less, the risks are much greater outdoors,
where concentrations are high. In addition, old people
would be well advised to restrict their movements during foggy
weather, since exercise combined with a thick fog is one of the
most potent causes of lung trouble and heart failure. In short,
old people, or those who suffer from chest complaints—asthma,
bronchitis and the like—should cut down their movements during
fog and should stay indoors as much as is humanly possible.
In an extensive, serious fog such as we experienced last year,
arrangements might be made whereby our very excellent Old
People's Welfare Committee, together with other voluntary bodies
in the district, could combine to assist old people with chest complaints,
so that they need venture outdoors as little as possible
during a fog. It should not be impossible to elaborate a system
whereby those individuals who are likely to be most affected by a
fog, and who can stay indoors, could call for assistance, e.g.
shopping etc., from a specially selected centre designed to mee.
just such an emergency. I am quite sure that this possibility is
well worth exploring. Indeed, I should like to see a conference
called of all those interested in the welfare of old people, so that
this problem could be tackled as a whole, and not as a series of
disconnected units.
Whatever is or is not done, it is, I think, imperative that panic
should be avoided. It would be most distressing to think of our old
folk, as well as sufferers from chest complaints, spending weeks of
fear, wondering whether they would have to face another few days
of "smog" this winter. Indeed, this aspect of the problem could
be much worse than the "smog" itself, and would undoubtedly
result in lowered health, even in unnecessary fatalities.
We must remember that the proper authorities are considering
this problem as a matter of urgency ; we must hope that, sooner or
later, an adequate remedy will be found. Until then, we might
examine the position on the lines suggested above, trying to
elaborate a system which will help those people most in need,
should the need arise. This can do no harm, and may possibly do
a very great deal of good.
1 have addressed a letter to the County Medical Officer,
explaining the attitude of the Borough Council on the matter,
and asking whether this is a problem which might be considered
by the County as a whole, by the various Areas into which the
County has been divided, or by local authorities. I feel that the
County would be interested, since we could use Area personnel,
particularly our Health Visitors, Home Nurses and Home Helps.
If I receive a reply to my letter before the meeting of the Committee,
I will submit it. In the meantime, 1 feel very strongly that
this is a matter which should be fully explored, so that we can take
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