Atmospheric Pollution

Abstract

THIRTY-EIGHT representatives of local authorities and other organizations co-operating with the De partment of Scientific and Industrial Research met on May 31 at the offices of the Department in the usual half-yearly conference. Dr. G. M. B. Dobson, chair man of the Atmospheric Pollution Research Com mittee, presented, as usual, a report on the progress of the investigations carried out under the Committee. Systematic observations in connexion with the intensive survey of the pollution in and around the City of Leicester were begun on April 1. During the preceding four months, the survey staff were installing different standard measuring apparatus at twelve sites. The decision of the authorities at Leicester to equip and maintain a station for regular meteoro logical observations was greatly welcomed. The Conference also recorded its appreciation of the valuable assistance given by the public analysts of Glasgow, Hull and Sheffield, in an investigation of the possibility of combining a dust filter with ap paratus for the determination volu metrically of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. A report was submitted through the Medical Officer of Health for Leeds on the analysis of dust samples collected in Leeds, Halifax and Huddersfield. The Conference endorsed a proposal made by the Research Com mittee that a meeting should be convened of public analysts and others who are directly responsible for making observations on behalf of co-operating bodies, to discuss technical problems and to interchange ideas on the measure ment of atmospheric pollution. Mr. Brownhill Smith retired from the chairmanship of the Conference, having served for the maximum period of three consecutive years. Alderman David Adams, a repre sentative of Newcastle -upon-Tyne, was elected chairman for the ensuing year.