Legacy of the 1952 Great Smog: London's deadly fog that changed environmental regulations

The deadly smog that enveloped London resulted in more casualties than anyone would have imagined. Over the course of five days, nearly 4,000 people lost their lives. However, that was just the beginning of the tragedy now known in history as the Great Smog of London. What was life like for the residents, and did the dispersal of the smog resolve the issue?

This instance pales in comparison to the smog that engulfed London in December 1952, at a time when few understood its true nature. The chilling winter temperatures led residents to heavily burn coal in stoves, the sole source of heating at that time. This would have been harmless if not for the dense fog and anticyclone that hung over London. The city felt as if it was suffocating, trapped in a sealed room with no escape.

Initially, the thick smog that hung over the city was treated with indifference. However, it didn't take long for the lethal hazards to become apparent. The toxic fog, a dark yellow and black colour, reduced visibility to a few dozen feet, resulting in numerous accidents. Additionally, it began causing respiratory issues. Modern research reveals that it was the sulfuric acid, a by-product of burning coal and the subsequent dissipation of the fog, that caused many deaths. The tragic events of these five days left a lasting impact on the inhabitants of London.

It was only on 9th December 1952 that the wind finally dispersed the smog from the city, but this did little to alleviate the situation. It is estimated that in the ensuing weeks, the toxic fumes claimed as many as 12,000 lives. This death toll surpasses that of the German bombings during the Second World War and the 1866 cholera epidemic. These events led to people, authorities, and businesses drawing serious conclusions that were crucial for their future safety.

In 1956, the Clean Air Act came into effect, recommending the use of gauze masks until then. The burning of coal was soon replaced by gas, and power plants were relocated outside of London. Over time, city leaders implemented specific zones to burn fuels that did not produce smoke, and in subsequent years, additional changes to regulations were introduced in the fight against smog. Does this story serve as a cautionary tale for us?