Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1891-05-08
POLLUTION OF THE ATMOS-
PHERE.
How Shall the Smoke Nuisance he Abated
Is the Problem of the Day.


Chief Inspector Young has come near
er than any one else ever came in living
tue problem of smoke abatement. In this
regard he has given himself and Chicago
reputation that extends beyond the
bounds f this country. Toe Sanitary
News has inquiries from many cities in
this country concerning the methods
adopted, and foreign exchanges are quot
ing the American press regarding the
success Of Chicago S chief inspector To
abate the smoke nuisance of d great city is
no little undertaking, and cannot be done
in a day. Enough has been published
and is Of record, to show that the vast
work already accomplished can be pushed
to practical perfection. 1t has also been
demonstrated that such a consummation
will repay all labors and expenditures in
tnis direction. The success thus far
attained is a marked improvement in the
cagO's beauty, wealth and health.
An English exchange, speaking of this
phase of atmosphere pollution, says that
the question of air pollution, in connection
with the smoky condition of the atmos-
phere in largeeities, has become a matter
of vital interest to all engaged In the
y
ton. 1t has been arranged in Great
Britain that a systematic series OF analv-
sis be carried on at different points at the
same time, which would give valuable in
formation as to the chief causes of atmos-
pberic pollution.
The analytical scheme is comprehensive.
and gives definite information on the fol-
lowing points: |. The composition of
the air in densely populated as compared
with thinly Populated districts. 2. The
relation between atmospheric impurities
and prevalent sickness and mortality. 3.
Amount and distribution OF nooxIous in
gradients specially injurious to pant life.
4. The extent to which smoke and nox-
lous gases are due to dwellings and fact
cries.
The observations are to be made at seven
different stations in Manchester and
Stafford, the sum required for the necessary
apparatus being already secured by public
subscription. At meeting of the society
on January 7th, Or. Bailey reported in
vestlgations as having commenced.
They had found, " he said, chat drocho-
lie acids, had also some of the elements Of
sewage. Tne deposits on leaves were in
amount directly as the population. and
greatest injury 10 plant life was due to the
emanations from dwelling houses. 1t is
estimated that, In one day, two tons of
SCOT and 300 pounds of sulphuric acid
were deposited per square mile of the city
area. These figures show that much val
liable information may be expected in the
hual report. A committee working on
similar lines has been appointed in Lon
ron, and 1t Is bat question Of time when !
investigation will reveal the san |
itary sins or our chimneys, and place tie !
smoke nuisance on the calendar OF crimes.
That has been done in Chicago, and In |
other places in this country In Others, or
dInances are being prepared and passed, |
making the smoke nuisance 2 penal i
Jtfense, and measures are being put for /
ward to abate It. The wholesome effect /
Of concerted action In this great reform |
,annot be estimated. 1t will result in the
Of the beauty OK oar cities.
me increase of their material wealth, the
increase of values. a lass death rate, and a
smaller PER cent. OF loss caused by the
waste Of disease and low scale OF physical
activity TIE natural instincts of clean
mess and morality should determine the
highest possible attainment IN the purif-
alton Of the atmosphere, which Is such
IN important factor in the economy OF
health and the virtues of right living.