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17
10. ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION.
The control of smoke emission from industrial
chimneys is, like most public health work, one of
vigilance. Continual inspection is essential in order
to counter any lapses which may take place on the part of
the boiler house staff, and deterioration in the condition
of the plant and equipment.
Whilst many users of fuel are becoming more keenly
interested in its economic use, there are still those
who do not appreciate that the emission of excessive smoke
is a waste of fuel. Allowance must he made for the variation
in quality of fuels, and the fact that the regular
delivery of any particular type of fuel cannot, even now,
be relied upon.
The recent popularity of the continuous burning
domestic grate has probably increased atmospheric pollution.
It must be borne in mind that, from smoke prevention
point of view, these grates are perhaps no more
efficient than the normal type basket grate, their main
advantage is that the rate of combustion is more readily
controlled.
The most serious manifestation of atmospheric
pollution during the year was, of course, the "Smog" which
blanketed the London area for the four days December 5th
to 8th. This period was marked by an unusual period of
calm and a temperature inversion at what was an unusually
low height of 200 - 500 feet. Into this shallow mass of
air, four days' emission of smoke and polluted air was
poured.
Figures of smoke concentration taken in the London
area during this period were from 14 to 26 times the normal
for the time of the year.
The increase in the number of deaths which may be
attributable to the "Smog" in the Greater London area is
illustrated by the rise in the weekly death rate from the
normal figure of approximately 2,000for the week ending
December 6th to that of 4,700 the following week.
The weekly death rate had not recovered to normal
by the end of the year.
To the number of deaths must be added the far greater
number who suffered serious illness or discomfort.
The material damage to fabrics in stores and homes
was also considerable.
It is because similar atmospheric conditions can
occur again that it is hoped that the lesson afforded by
this disaster will not be forgotten. It is understood that
investigations on a national basis are about to be made
with a view to improving the situation.
With regard to the recording of atmospheric pollution,
three standard deposit gauges are maintained by the Corporation
and were located after consultation with the Department
of Scientific Research. The gauges are placed in Canbury
Gardens, at Tiffin Girls' School and the Cemetery, Bonner
Hill Road, and are, for the purposes of report, referred to
as "A", "b" and "C" respectively.