London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Sutton 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Sutton]
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4.1 POLLUTION CONTROL
Public interest in pollution matters is well illustrated in the almost doubled level of
complaints received by the Environmental Health Service. Fortunately most of the
complaints related to very low level and localised pollution. In addition to investigating
these complaints Public Health Inspectors have to be vigilant in carrying out their own
checks and observations of possible pollution sources.
4.2 SMOKE CONTROL AREAS
The programme designed to bring the whole of the Borough within smoke control areas
continued throughout 1972 and visits of initial inspection to give advice and relating to
the payments of grants were carried out, mainly in the following areas:-
LOCATION
| Approximate Position | Order Confirmed | Order in Force | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area 23 | Carshalton | 6.10.71. | 1.10.72. | |
| Area 24 | St. Helier North | 23.9.71. | 1.7.72. | |
| Area 25 | Hackbridge | 15.3.72. | 1.12.72. | |
| Area 26 | South Cheam & Belmont | confirmation expected | 1973 | - |
| Area 27 | South Sutton & Belmont | 1973 | - | |
| Area 28 | Sutton & Carshalton Beeches | 1974 | - | |
4.3 INDUSTRIAL FURNACES AND CHIMNEYS
Industrial boiler houses were visited both with regard to flue gas, and grit and dust emission.
Notices were received relating to the installation of three new furnaces and three
applications for the approval of chimney heights.
4.4 OBNOXIOUS EFFLUVIA
95 complaints were investigated and acted upon. Once again a great many of these related
to domestic bonfires and were levels of pollution and nuisance which could have been
avoided by the use of a little common sense and concern for neighbours. All the infringements
of the dark smoke regulations noted were dealt with informally.
4.5 COFFEE ROASTING
During the year there was a rapid deterioration in the effluent from the flues of coffee
roasters, at factory premises close to the boundary with the London Borough of
Croydon. The management reported their intention to replace the old plant with a new
roaster, equipped with specially designed after burning equipment, intended to minimise
the emission of smoke, odour and particulate matter. It was planned that this new
equipment should be installed early in 1973 and in the interim period the management
undertook a number of steps intended to reduce the nuisance caused to residents of
nearby houses. By the end of 1972 there was still a great deal of concern as the standards
reached were by no means satisfactory.
4.6 ACCUMULATIONS
134 complaints were received in respect of accumulations and deposits. Fortunately, from
the health point of view, most of these complaints related to accumulations that were not
noxious, not harbouring pests and could not be regarded as a public health nuisance.
24 notices were served for the removal of accumulations and many of the remaining
matters were referred to be dealt with as Civic Amenity matters.
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