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38
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
Measurement of the pollution of the atmosphere continued to be carried out regularly
month by month at separate stations set up on five sites in the Borough. At Jubilee Gardens
on the north side and Recreation Ground on the south side, lead peroxide method gauges
for the measurement of the sulphur gases in the air were in operation and in Hortus Cemetery,
on the Railway-side allotments and at Dormers Wells Primary School, deposit gauges for
measuring the quantity of grit and dust dropping from the atmosphere.
A lead peroxide method gauge was transferred from Jubilee Gardens to the Railway
allotments site because of the constant complaint from the residents of neighbouring streets
that heavy pollution was coming from the locomotive sheds and sidings.
The results obtained from these gauges are tabulated on page 39. The figures for
atmospheric pollution are better than in 1955 except for a very slight rise in Sulphur dioxide
pollution in the Jubilee Gardens area. It is still, however, apparent, that the amount of grit
and dust deposited from the Railway sidings is very heavy as compared with that falling
in the north and south of the Borough. It is anticipated that the future alteration from coal
burning to diesel and electrified systems may clear up this pollution problem, but this may be a
long term cure, and meantime much effort is required to try to limit the present output of
smoke and grit.
There was a two day fog in January when it was thought that there was a real risk of a
smoke and fog incident as in 1952, and this accounts partly for the high figures seen in the
Westminster figures in the comparative graph, but Southall was not affected in so severe a
manner.
The Clean Air Act, 1956, which became law on the last day of the year, is under
consideration by the Borough Council and by the officers of the Middlesex Boroughs in
consultation.
Comparison of seven years' averages at Hortus Cemetery.
Total solids Deposited:—
1950 13.50 1953 10.67
1951 12.95 1954 14.30
1952 11.93 1955 16.94
1956 1293