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The report goes on to discuss the effect of general air
pollution, and states that even if this pollution was abolished
completely and immediately, smokers in this country would continue
to have a greater risk of lung cancer than smokers who had never
been exposed to pollution. The risk could be reduced only by
avoiding the smoking of cigarettes The summing up conclusion is that
it is necessary for the health of the present population of this
country that any measures which are practicable and likely to
produce beneficial changes in smoking habits should be taken
promptly.
Over the past few years, the Middlesex County Council, as local
health authority, has conducted much anti-smoking propaganda, mainly
aimed at dissuading children from starting the smoking habit. In
1957, a propaganda pamphlet to school children was issued, in which
special stress was not laid on the association between smoking and
lung cancer but in which it was emphasised that smoking was imcom-patable with perfect physical fitness. In addition, a circular letter
from the County Medical Officer was distributed to all youth
leaders, seeking their co-operation in dissuading young people from
taking up smoking. More recently a leaflet was prepared for the
information of all teachers and leaders of youth organisations
throughout the county, setting out in "Question and Answer" form
the salient facts relating to the association between smoking and
chest disease.
Finally, after carrying out a comprehensive survey in various
schools in the county, the County Health Education Officer designed
a special leaflet. This was produced not by guess work but from the
opinions gathered from the young people themselves. The draft
leaflet was then submitted to a special committee of young people
representing all types of schools In Middlesex and the alterations
made to fit with their suggestions. Each school child in Middlesex
between the ages of 9 and 18 years received this pamphlet in 1961.
The danger of smoking and lung cancer has also been a frequent
subject at parent-Teacher Association meetings at various schools.
Circulars have been received from the Ministries of Health and
Education asking that the conclusions of the report about the danger
of smoking should be made as widely known as possible. Both Ministries
are actively engaged in the preparation of fresh publicity material
suitable for use in schools and also for general distribution to
the public.
General
During the year I have given a number of talks on health topics
to various associations in the Borough.; and the Chief Public Health
Inspector and his staff have also shared in the work. Films and
filmstrips are used as appropriate, and propaganda by posters and
leaflets has been continued.
The Corporation again made a contribution of £14 6s Od. to
the Central Council for Health Education.
GENERAL MATTERS
Shops Act, 1950
Section 38 of this Act deals with provisions for the health
and comfort of staff employed in shops. Shop premises are required
to be properly ventilated, adequately warmed and sufficiently
lighted; they have to have toilet and washing facilities; if the
staff take meals on the premises there must be suitable arrangements
made for them.
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