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26
Smoke Nuisance
Smoke and grit have continued to plague the people of Willesden. Much has been written on the
harm smoke causes to vegetation, decorations, clean linen and health, but we still know very little about the
actual effect of continual smoke pollution on the respiratory system. How far are diseases such as bronchitis,
pneumonia, colds, influenza and tuberculosis caused or aggravated by smoke? How far are irritant substances
emitted from chimneys responsible for producing cancer of the lungs? These questions still
remain unanswered. It is significant, however, that the severe fog of December 5th—8th was directly
responsible for a large number of deaths. Deaths
Week Ending 1952 1951
15th November 39 35
22nd November 50 35
29th November 49 40
6th December 74 41
13th December 105 57
20th December 67 61
27th December 60 41
3rd January, 1953 63 47
If, as it is likely, atmospheric pollution is proved to have an appreciable influence in respiratory
diseases, the Government might be encouraged to spend more money on reducing it.
Three power stations add considerably to the smoke and grit in the atmosphere of Willesden. Those
responsible for the operation of the power stations have always claimed that factories and domestic chimneys
were mainly responsible for the heavy deposit of dust and grit on window sills and in rooms, the rotting
of curtains and linen, and the foreign bodies in the eyes which have been so common in Willesden. This
they have maintained despite clear evidence that when something has admittedly gone wrong in the station,
these conditions have been aggravated in the areas where the complaints usually come.
In October, 1952, a heavy cloud of soot descended on Neasden and Cricklewood, seeping into houses
and coating sheets, pillows and furniture; some gardens, roofs and pavements were a quarter of an inch
deep in soot. This was caused by blocking of the draught of an oil-fired boiler in the Neasden Power Station.
It may be true that taking the country as a whole domestic and factory chimneys bear a greater
responsibility for smoke and grit nuisances, but in areas where power stations are situated, they are indisputably
the main cause of smoke and grit.
To determine the actual cause of these nuisances, standard deposit gauges for measuring atmospheric
pollution were placed to cover an area within a radius of one-quarter of a mile of each station, together with
one at the town hall as a control. The table and graph show the results obtained. They clearly show that
the power stations are mainly responsible for the atmospheric pollution in their areas and it is significant
that the deposits are heavier near the power stations which are older and have not the advantage of modern
equipment.