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56
An investigation was carried out in co-operation with the Council's
Public Analyst and the Government Analyst into the dangers of lead in
imported pottery. Whilst on this occasion there was no cause for concern
the presence of lead in the environment is a matter upon which vigilance
is necessary.
A report was received that workmen on a building site were suffering
from nose bleeding when handling certain materials. This problem was
investigated when it was ascertained that sodium dichromate, a constituent
of the cementation material in use was the cause. Instructions were given
regarding safety precautions and the matter was pursued with the Department
of Employment.
In July reports were received that employees at a pet shop who had
been in contact with a parrot were ill. This immediately alerted the
department to the possibility of psittacosis. It transpired that a parrot
had died and the premises were disinfected. Fortunately all the contacts
recovered but the infection was confirmed in the parrot.
The invitations to speak and to give lectures on various topics to
schools, hospitals, mothers' groups, civic societies and similar organisations
have been numerous. Whilst these meetings are time consuming and
often in the evenings, they are welcomed as being an opportunity to
present the department's aims and objectives to interested and receptive
audiences.
The Health Service is to undergo a major change on the 1st April,
1974 - the date upon which local government in England and Wales, outside
of London, is also being completely reorganised. All the indications are
that the Environmental Health Service will constitute the Health Department
of the future although the pattern of this development has yet to be
determined.
There is little doubt that the reorganisation of local government
and the attractiveness of working outside of the London area will make
it increasingly difficult for this authority to attract staff unless the
problems of the high cost of housing can be solved and preferential
salaries offered.