London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Tottenham 1958

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Tottenham]

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28
It will be some time before the results of these demonstrations become
known and no doubt the decision of the Ministry of Health with regard to the
excessive application of fluoride to the water supplies in this country will
depend upon their outcome. The official view is that by arranging these
demonstrations in selected areas sufficient steps have been taken to give full
opportunity for the public to become informed and to express its opinion
within the next few years".
Drainage and Sewerage
Separate systems of soil and surface water drains and sewers operate
throughout the Borough.
It will be appreciated that in a Borough of the character of Tottenham
much of the drainage is old. Many of the complaints relating to rat infestation
are traceable to defective house drains or public sewers.
Work on flood relief schemes is already proving valuable and no serious
flooding has occurred during the year. Pollution of water courses is less
than in previous years.
Closet Accommodation
The water carriage system is in operation throughout the Borough.
Continuing co-operation between the department and H.M. Factory Inspectors
of the Ministry of Labour and National Service ensures the closest
supervision of sanitary accommodation in factory and other premises.
Atmospheric Pollution
Continuing their application of the Clean Air Act, 1956 to the question
of atmospheric pollution, the Government brought into operation on the 1st
June, 1958 those sections of the Act dealing with industrial and commercial
premises.
Briefly they are as follows:-
Section 1 Prohibits the emission of dark smoke from chimneys.
fies the limiting periods for the emission of smoke from
certain classes of chimney. Provides a defence e.g., in the
case of lighting up a furnace which was cold.
Section 2 Provides certain temporary exemptions.
Sections 5/9 Deal with the emission of dust and grit new furnaces to be
provided with plant to arrest grit and dust.
Section 16 Provides for the abatement of smoke nuisances, other than from
private dwelling houses, or for dark smoke.