December 5th

On this day – 5^th December 1952 – The Great Smog over London

The Great Smog was an air-pollution over London, which lasted from the 5th to the 9th of December. It was caused by cold, windless weather, which collected and kept air-pollution in place. The cold weather also led to people using more coal, which further spurred the air-pollution. The pollution sept underneath doors, and even ambulances had to stand still due to low visibility. It was not considered significant at the time, but medical results soon showed the impact of the smog on Londoners health. It was estimated that around 4000 people died prematurely due to the smog, and another 100.000 were made ill. More modern research have, however, argued that 12.000 people died as a result of the smog. It is the worst air-pollution experienced in the UK and it led to major policy regulation and environmental interest. London have struggled with pollution and Smog since then, but no event have been as bad as the one in 1952. UK is, however, not the only city to have struggled with pollution and air problems. The air in Beijing are, for example, known for its pollution.  

You literally could not see your hand in front of your face. My partner of today tells me that he remembers the smog in that he brushed against what he thought was a human being and asked it for a light for his cigarette - and the human being turned out to be lamppost.”

Barbara Fewster recalls the Great Smog at news.bbc.uk

The Great Fogg from museumoflondonimages.com