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The above table shows a definite reduction in the monthly average
figure for total solids deposited (tons per square mile) during 1961 as
compared with 1960
Some of the factors which appear to contribute to the reduction
include (a) the ever increasing number of electrical, gas and oil fired
appliances installed in domestic., commercial and industrial premises (b)
the building of blocks of flats etc with controlled central heating appliances
in areas of the Borough previously occupied by the larger type of
residential dwelling and (c) the growing tendency for more of the selected
smokeless fuels to be used in domestic grates.
DAILY MEAN CONCENTRATION OF SMOKE AND SULPHUR DIOXIDE
A daily record has been kept since the 1st November, 1958 of the
amount of smoke or suspended matter and sulphur dioxide in the air by
means of a smoke filter and volumetric sulphur dioxide apparatus
installed in Manor Park House.
It has long been recognised that a distinction must be drawn between
relatively coarse particles of solid matter which are quickly deposited by
their own weight, and which comprise most of the particulate matter
collected in the deposit gauge and the very fine particles which settle
slowly, if at all, These fine particles, commonly referred to as 'smoke',
are less than about 20 microns (0.002 cm) in size and consist largely of
carbonaceous matter, including tar, produced by the incomplete combustion
of coal; some fine ash is also included. It is important to realise that
little of this fine material is collected in the deposit gauge which in
consequence gives no information about pollution by smoke. To obtain
such information a smoke filter is necessary