science · 18 July 1876 · 148 years ago
In 1876, a Royal Commission on Noxious Vapours was appointed by the British government to inquire into the management of chemical works, to determine the effects of certain gases and vapours emitted, and investigate means of prevention. The Commission inspected alkali works, cement works, chemical manure works, copper, glass, lead, salt and metal works, coke ovens and potteries. In their report, issued in Aug 1878, they recommended increasing the number of visits by inspectors, recording any escapes of gases, the publication of inspectors' reports, and more stringent regulations, despite witnesses arguing that noxious vapours were the inevitable and unalterable cost of national prosperity.
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