Clean Air Act
Up until the 1950s, the UK suffered from terrible air pollution and smog (a combination of smoke and fog). However, a new law that was passed in 1956 helped to resolve the problem and improve air quality.
The big idea
Starting in the 18th century with the Industrial Revolution, the UK had become home to a huge number of coal-powered factories. The pollution released by these factories was so intense that it sometimes blocked out the Sun. In 1952, London experienced the worst air pollution ever recorded in the city. Thousands of people died from breathing issues caused by pollution brought about by poor visibility on the roads. It was clearly time for the UK to address the issue.
A traffic warden directing a bus with a torch during the Great Smog of 1952. Even in daylight, visibility was so poor that people could not see their feet on the ground.
GENIUS Sir Hugh Beaver (1890-1967) was an English/South African engineer. He helped with research into the Great Smog. He advised the government on the importance of changing over to smokeless fuels, which was a key part of the Clean Air Act.
HOW did it work?
The solution was to pass a new law controlling air pollution – the 1956 Clean Air Act. It encouraged people to use fuels that did not produce smoke, such as electricity and gas. Both factories and homes had to change their fuels. At that time, many people still burned coal at home for heating and cooking. It took decades for these changes to be carried out across the UK, as many furnaces had to be replaced.
Sources of air pollution (shown in diagram):
- Vehicle exhaust
- Landfill sites
- Power plants
- Agriculture
- Factories
Where did it lead?
Although air pollution decreased greatly across the UK following the Act, it still exists today. Outside the UK, many less economically developed countries continue to use fuel that creates smoke. Around the world, air pollution kills around 7 million people a year.
Modern vehicles still release large amounts of air pollution.
What is air pollution like in your local area? Where does it come from and how could it be reduced? Think about ways of reducing car journeys and encouraging people to walk or cycle.