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ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
In 1949 two observation points for the estimation of sulphur dioxide by the leadperoxide
method were set up, one in the north and one in the south of the Borough.
In 1950 an additional observation point was established in Hortus Cemetery, and the
two lead-peroxide instruments were re-sited, one in Jubilee Gardens and one in the Recreation
Ground. In the Hortus Cemetery a deposit gauge was installed for the measurement
of matter deposited from the air.
By means of the lead-peroxide instruments, sulphur pollution from surrounding chimneys
covering an area of one to two square miles is measured, and with the deposit gauge an
analysis is made of atmospheric contaminants, such as soot, grit, etc., which are deposited
from the air.
The attached graph "C" shows in diagramatic form the rise and fall of pollution
throughout the year in the various districts. From the Fuel Research Monthly Bulletin,
graph "D" has been compiled giving a pictorial representation of the sulphur dioxide
pollution in Southall as compared with the best district in which similar measurements are
made, which is Godalming, Surrey; the County Hall, Westminster, London; and the
district showing the heaviest pollution by this method, which is Sheffield.
In spite of the fact that complaints of smoke nuisance are frequently brought to the
notice of the Department it appears that for an industrial area Southall compares extremely
favourably with even Central London.
It is noteworthy that during the summer months when domestic coal fires are at a
minimum the amount of deposit is very low.