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68
nuisances, including the universal "privy middens" were abolished.
The nation's food supply was virtually freed from wilful
adulteration. Food and its handlers were subjected to stringent
hygiene controls. Medical techniques and environmental improvements
conquered many of the infectious diseases which have
afflicted the populace until recent years. The squalid "back to
back" houses of the "working classes" resulting from the
Industrial Revolution were cleared and well-planned estates took
their place. In the course of a decade London's air was dramatically
cleared.
Problems recently "re-discovered" have, in fact, never been
lost from sight. Much of the work of the local authority is
directed towards nullifying the effects of pollution, in all its
aspects, and in this the public health inspectors play a leading
part. Their section of the Health Department was renamed
"Environmental Health Section" in 1965, which aptly describes
the work done.
This report cannot catalogue all steps taken to protect and
improve the health and well being of the inhabitants of the
borough in 1971. Over 1,200 samples of all types have been taken.
A few of these were for the purpose of detecting the possible
presence of harmful insecticidal residues in food stuffs. Others
were taken to monitor water supplies; to ensure the purity and
freshness of milk; to discover whether certain foods were contaminated
by bacteria, and to check whether rag flock, used in
the manufacture of furniture, was within the prescribed standard
for cleanliness. Drugs were sampled to ensure their efficacy and
harmlessness.
Pollution gauges are constantly in operation to confirm the
continuing diminution of soot and sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere
as the smoke control programme proceeds. In 1971 almost
9,000 more premises were brought under control.
In a sense, these examinations are routine measures but they
are frequently adapted to keep abreast of modern developments.
New manifestations of pollution require new techniques in
monitoring.
The above reference to cholera is of topical interest in that in
1971 the disease broke out on the continent of Europe for the
first time for very many years. Each person returning from parts
of Spain and other affected countries was immediately visited and
adequate surveillance exercised until danger of infection had
passed. Some hundreds of returning travellers were placed under
surveillance for this disease or for smallpox. No actual cases were
reported.
Environmental catastrophes will not be prevented by sensationalism.
Indeed it can do more harm than good. Disasters will