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period indicates a continuing reduction in males of deaths from
cancer of the lung not matched by the increase in deaths in females
for the same cause; overall in the past 3 years there has been a
decrease in total deaths from this disease. Over the same five year
period there are no significant increases or decreases in deaths
from other causes of cancer for either sex.
Centres for regional research and treatment of all forms of
cancer have been recommended at various national Conferences
and these are likely to provide a significant advance in national
efforts to eradicate cancer by co ordinating all research into earlier
diagnosis and more effective surgery.
Environmental Health
As 1970 is European Conservation Year and has been marked
by the setting up of a Department of Environment, it is of interest
to look at those services in the Borough provided by the Health
Department most obviously concerned with the control of pollution.
The relevant Report shows that some 7,320 of the 37,583 acres
of the Borough and approximately 38,750 of its premises are
covered by Smoke Control Orders, representing 20% of the total
area and approximately 35% of the premises. The Authority has a
"rolling" programme of smoke control and, in addition, the Health
Department monitors closely the concentration in the atmosphere
of sulphur dioxide, collaborating with the Ministry of Technology
in this research.
Less spectacular is the control of industrial chimney height
and alteration of existing plants such as oil fired boilers, and the
advice given where practicable for diminishing nuisance from
offensive fumes or dust.
The storage and use of radioactive materials is licensed by the
Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
Previous reports have indicated the limitations of action
under the Noise Abatement Act and the recommendations that
have been made to improve this Act. However, until the research
which is proceeding to establish acceptable noise levels for
different neighbourhoods has been completed, all Health Departments
are restricted in the practical advice that can be tendered
to the public. Gross cases of infringement are speedily investigated
and most industrial users are co-operative.
Maternal and Child Health
The Report indicates the increasing number of registered
private day nurseries, child minders and play groups, and the
volume of supervision that is needed. This service will be transferred
to the new Social Services Department.
While the response to "open" cervical cytology clinics has been