Smog. The word conjures images of dense, polluted skies. But where did it all begin? Our smog history stretches back centuries, long before cars clogged our cities. Early forms, often called "pea-soupers," plagued London as far back as the 13th century, fueled by coal burning for heating and industry. These events weren't just unpleasant; they were deadly.
The Great Smog of London in 1952, a particularly devastating episode, is estimated to have caused thousands of deaths. This tragedy served as a pivotal moment, finally sparking significant public awareness and, crucially, policy change. It led to the Clean Air Act of 1956, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at reducing smoke emissions from homes and factories.
While London’s coal-fueled smog has largely been addressed, air pollution remains a global challenge. Today, vehicular emissions and industrial processes contribute to a new kind of smog, photochemical smog, which requires different strategies to combat. Understanding the history of smog is crucial to tackling present-day pollution and building a healthier future for all.
