'Research on Fumes Needed'
Page 11
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
FROM OUR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT FORE research into the emission of fYI toxic substances by diesel and petrol engines and more efforts to limit such emissions, have been called for by Sir George °Daher, chief medical officer of the Ministry of Health, In his annual report, presented last week, Sir George says: "The medical picture .. . is on the whole reassuring. Nevertheless, the emission of toxic substances by diesel and petrol engines cannot be regarded with equanimity ".
Present researches indicate that carbon monoxide may be the main immediate hazard to public health. This is principally caused by petrol fumes. Local con centrations in London streets are frequently above the maximum allowed for prolonged exposure in industry.
The effects of prolonged exposure to hydrocarbons, including those which have a cancer-causing effect, requires detailed study, but the proportion derived from diesel or petrol fumes "is small hi comparison with the quantities derived from coal smoke and normally present in urban atmospheres ", the report says.
The remaining hazard from diesel fumes is the result of obscuration of visibility. Sir George says that emphasis must be placed on the need for proper care and maintenance of diesel engines.