Shorts: The Deadly London Smog of 1952 - Environmental Disaster That Changed Air Pollution History

EnviroHealth Shorts - Season 2 Episode 1: The Deadly London Smog of 1952 - Environmental Disaster That Changed Air Pollution History

In this environmental health short, Dr. Gary Fuller shares powerful firsthand accounts of the devastating London smog of 1952, including his own father's harrowing experience navigating through air pollution so thick people couldn't see their own feet. Learn how this catastrophic air pollution event killed thousands—estimates ranging from 4,000 to 12,000 victims—making it London's deadliest environmental disaster prior to COVID-19, surpassing both WWII bombing casualties and Victorian cholera outbreaks.

Air Pollution Topics Covered:

• The formation and deadly impact of the "pea souper" air pollution that descended on London December 5, 1952
• Personal stories of surviving through the impenetrable smog, including cinemas where screens were obscured by pollution
• Dr. Fuller's father's experience helping a lost lorry driver just 500 meters from his depot in hazardous air quality
• Comparison of historical air pollution portrayals (including The Crown's recreation) with the actual environmental health crisis
• How this air pollution disaster catalyzed changes in environmental health policy and air quality management
• Historical context of occupational exposures to air pollution, particularly asbestos, and their health impacts

Environmental Health Discussion Highlight: "It was a huge environmental disaster. But it set about a change in the way in which we recognize air pollution as being harmful to health, and the way in which we manage air quality."

For the full conversation exploring historical pollution levels, artistic depictions of air pollution, and the evolution of monitoring techniques, check out our complete environmental health episode with Dr. Fuller.

EnviroHealth Podcast Credits:

• Hosts: Dr. Joseph M. Levermore and Dr. Steven Campbell
• Environmental Health Expert: Dr. Gary Fuller (Imperial College London)
• Executive Producer: Neil Japhtha
• Production: EnviroHealth Podcast

Environmental Health Resources: For more information about air pollution and its health impacts, visit our environmental health resource page.

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