London Smog

London is the capital of the United Kingdom

United Kingdom’s Natural Resources Oil, natural gas, and coal The UK ‘s manufacturing uses these resources During the Industrial revolution coal was used because it was cheap and available in the UK It is still used in the power plants of the UK It is also burned in fireplaces and stoves.

The term smog (smoke and fog) was first coined in 1905 in a paper by Dr. Henry Antoine Des Voeux to describe the combination of smoke and fog that had been plaguing London during that time. London has since enacted strict air pollution regulations which have drastically reduced incidents of smog in that region

Where is smog found? Smog is a common form of air pollution found mainly in urban areas and large population centers. The term refers to any type of atmospheric pollution—regardless of source, composition, or concentration—that creates a significant reduction in atmospheric visibility. It is air pollution caused by sunlight acting on the gases from automobiles and factory exhausts.

London Smog In the early 1900s, London was plagued by a particular type of smog that resulted from a combination of dense fog and soot from coal combustion.

The Great Smog of 1952

What happened? The smog was so densed that the people of London could not see what was in front of them for four days. Results of this: transportation slowed. Why? Crime increased. Why? Thousands dies from the pollution. People around the world worried. Why?

Location London, England Most of the smog damage occurred in East London

Causes The smoke from the factories Vehicles Pollution Noxious fumes

Death Tolls 4,703 people died during the two weeks of the London Smog Death rate peaked on the 8th and 9th days at 900 deaths per day

Health Effects Pneumonia Bronchitis Tuberculosis Heart Failure Asthma Respiratory and Cardiac Distress

Pictures People helping the trolleys along the road through the London Smog.

Pictures cont.

Cleaning the Smog 1956 Clean Air Act 1968 Clean Air Act; Tall Chimneys This act authorized local councils to set up smokeless zones and give grants to householders to convert their homes from traditional coal fires to heaters fuelled by gas, oil, smokeless coal or electricity. 1968 Clean Air Act; Tall Chimneys This act brought in the basic principal for the use of tall chimneys for industries burning coal, liquid or gaseous fuels.

Smokeless zones After the Great Smog the government created Smokeless Zones in London. These areas were free of any fuels that cause smoke. Today with the use of electricity , use of gas, and cleaner coal the air pollution has been reduced. The government checks air quality. They have passed laws about vehicles emissions, and limits for industry.

Today’s air pollution in the UK Gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles is the major problem Effects: health issues Blackens buildings Threatens wildlife Acid rain UK ranks in the top 10 places in the world with harmful industrial emissions