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
West Ham 1953
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]
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TABLE I. RODENT CONTROL
| Type of premises | RATS | MICE | Total No. of Premises Visited | Total No. of Visits | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premises Visited | No. of Visits | Premises Visited | No. of Visits | |||
| Dwelling Houses | 739 | 7,221 | 520 | 2,478 | 1,259 | 9,699 |
| Industrial & Business | 120 | 723 | 64 | 267 | 184 | 990 |
| Council Properties | 50 | 272 | 26 | 118 | 76 | 390 |
| Miscellaneous | 36 | 56 | - | - | 36 | 56 |
| TOTAL | 945 | 8,272 | 610 | 2,863 | 1,555 | 11,135 |
TABLE II. DISINFESTATION.
| Type of Premises | Premises visited | Total number of visits |
|---|---|---|
| Dwelling Houses | 569 | 684 |
| Local Authority Properties | 8 | 12 |
| Shops | 9 | 10 |
| Factories | 2 | 2 |
| Hospitals | 6 | 6 |
| Public Houses | 1 | 1 |
| Static Tanks | 20 | 20 |
| Schools | 4 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 619 | 740 |
TABLE III. DISINFECTIONS.
| Type of Premises | Premises visited | Total number of visits |
|---|---|---|
| Dwelling Houses | 20 | 21 |
| Hospitals | 1 | 1 |
| Silvertown Clinic | 4 | 9 |
| TOTAL | 25 | 31 |
School Plimsolls - 717 pairs. 7 sacks. 3 boxes. 1 case.
SMOKE ABATEMENT. The importance of a clean atmosphere is at long last being recognised by
those in authority and by the general public. It is unfortunate, however, that it required
the London fog disaster of December 1952 to stir the public conscience. Despite nearly 50
years campaigning by interested societies and health officials apparently only a national
disaster can bring the danger home to the general public.
During the latter part of the year, rather than invoking the law on each occasion
to respect of smoke nuisances several firms were advised to consult the Fuel Research
Station, a section of the Scientific and Industrial Research Department, on the best means
of conducting their plants both from an efficiency point of view and the prevention of
smoke nuisance. The personnel of the Fuel Research Station is to be congratulated on the
interest shown and advice given in response to these requests and the beneficial results
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