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
Heston and Isleworth 1961
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Heston and Isleworth]
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| Deposit (tons per sq. mile) | Sulphur (Mgtns. S03 per day per 100 sq. cm.) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | 9.1 | 1.13 |
| 1954 | 7.7 | 0.97 |
| 1955 | 8.5 | 0.90 |
| 1956 | 9.3 | 0.85 |
| 1957 | 10.1 | 1.10 |
| 1958 | 9.3 | 1.41 |
| 1959 | 9.9 | 1.42 |
| 1960 | 8.6 | 1.41 |
| 1961 (Jan. to July) | 6.6 | 1.28 |
These figures indicate a downward trend in particulate pollution, but no improvement
in sulphur pollution.
A serious defect in these records was that they refer to conditions well above
street level and that monthly intervals did not facilitate detailed analysis of the
factors influencing pollution. On the advice of the Department of Scientific and
Industrial Research, the original instruments were changed to a new type giving
daily records of smoke and sulphur dioxide. The new instruments were installed at
the Health Department, Heston Clinic, isleworth Clinic and Harlequin Avenue Air from
a height not exceeding 15 feet is sucked continuously into the apparatus and every
24 hours the amount of smoke and sulphur pollution is recorded. Daily readings from
the new apparatus started in September and the monthly average, highest daily reading
and lowest daily reading are shown in the table on page 19. No real comparison can be
made with the previous records but the point to be noted is the wide range of pollution
that can occur. To date the indications are that these wide variations are
linked to meteorological conditions.
Progress to 31st December 1961 on smoke control areas is shown in the following table:-
| Smoke Control Area | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3 | No. 4 | |
| Council resolution | 25.11.58 | 7. 12.59 | 27.6.61 | 28 11.61 |
| Ministry enquiry | 7.4.59 | 14.4.60 | ||
| Ministry confirmation | 25.6.59 | 15. 8. 60 | 31.10.61 | |
| Date of operation | 1. 10.60 | 1.10.61 | 1.10.62 | |
| Acres | 186 | 130 | 335 | 200 |
| Total dwellings | 1,602 | 1,060 | 804 | 1,141 |
| Council houses | 418 | 5 | 682 | 182 |
| Estimated number of dwellings ranking for grant | 1,370 | 911 | 739 | 979 |
| Number of dwellings where estimates of cost of conver | ||||
| sations or adaptations were approved for grant | 1,144 | 454 | ||
| No. of claims for grant checked and approved for payment | 1,050 | 313 | ||
| Gross cost to 31.12.61 | £14,105 | £5,470 | ||
| Nature of works carried out - | ||||
| (a) new appliances | 956 | 400 | ||
| (b) adaptation of existing appliances | 443 | 115 | ||
| (c) gas or electric points provided | 688 | 263 | ||