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Research Council is not aware of any existing evidence of the
effect of diesel exhaust gases on health; nor is there any really
detailed knowledge of the effect of other atmospheric pollutants
on the respiratory tract. It was also interesting to learn
(from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research)
that "If a Diesel Engine is maintained in good condition, little
or no smoke should be emitted!!"
INFECTIOUS DISEASES (See also Section F).
The influenza outbreak of January—February, 1953 was
widespread over Southern England. Although deaths attributable
to influenza were negligible in numbers (3), deaths attributable
to bronchitis increased, and the rate of new claims to
sickness benefits under the National Insurance Act was much
increased during this period.
The incidence rates of whooping cough and measles continues
to be abnormally high in the District—especially on the
L.C.C. Estates. They cannot be dissociated from the abnormally
large proportion of young children at the present time, as the
rates are per thousand of the total population. Nevertheless, it
is hoped that the present introduction of whooping cough vaccination
in the clinics, combined with greater care by parents
in segregating their infected children from others, will result in
an improvement.
TUBERCULOSIS.
The number of established cases of tuberculosis entering
the District under housing schemes is again reduced, viz.,
Year 1950 1951 1952 1953
No. of cases entering
the District 157 75 34 21
By arrangement with the North-East Metropolitan Regional
Hospital Board, the Mass Radiography Unit again carried out
a survey of Loughton in 1953, with the following results:—
Male Female Total
Total number of miniatures 620 464 1,084
Recalled for large film 27 30 57
Did not attend for large film 0 2 2
2