What Happened London Fog?

By Michael Ferguson

The London Fog, also known as the Great Smog of 1952, was a severe air pollution event that occurred in London, England. The smog was so thick that it caused low visibility, leading to transportation delays and accidents. It was classified as a killer fog because it caused respiratory illnesses and premature deaths.

Causes of the London Fog

The primary cause of the London Fog was a combination of cold weather, windless conditions, and the burning of coal for heating and power. The sulfur dioxide and particulate matter released by the burning coal reacted with moisture in the air to form a thick fog that engulfed the city. The fog mixed with smoke from factories and vehicle exhaust emissions, making it even more dangerous.

The Impacts of the London Fog

The London Fog had severe impacts on the health and wellbeing of people living in the city. An estimated 4,000 people died prematurely as a result of respiratory illnesses caused by exposure to air pollution. Many more suffered from short-term respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma attacks.

The economy also suffered greatly during this period due to transport disruptions caused by low visibility. People were unable to move around freely because they could not see where they were going.

Lessons Learned from the London Fog

The Great Smog of 1952 led to significant changes in environmental policy in the UK. The government introduced new legislation aimed at reducing air pollution levels by limiting industrial emissions and promoting cleaner energy sources.

Today, London has one of the cleanest air qualities among major cities globally due to various measures taken such as banning diesel cars from certain areas during peak hours.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, The Great Smog taught us valuable lessons about air pollution’s severe impacts on human health and how crucial it is to take action towards cleaner energy sources. It’s essential to continue making efforts to reduce air pollution levels for a better future.