A thick fog containing pollutants settled over London, creating a severe smog that lasted several days, causing transportation issues and health problems for thousands of residents.
London was the central location affected by the smog, with millions of residents exposed to dangerous air quality levels. The incident was primarily caused by industrial pollution and high coal usage.
The public response was one of panic and concern, as the smog caused respiratory issues and was linked to thousands of deaths. Authorities were pressured to take action for cleaner air.
The Great Smog led directly to significant legislation in the UK, including the Clean Air Act of 1956, which aimed to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in cities.
Surprisingly, the smog phenomenon was so intense that visibility dropped to as little as 10 feet, completely disrupting transportation and daily life in London.
John Profumo, a future MP known for a scandal years later, had to traverse through the smog during this event, adding to the drama of the moment.
Many Londoners resorted to walking in groups while using ribbons for visibility, showcasing the community's determination to cope with this environmental crisis.
Have you ever experienced a severe fog or bad air quality? How did it make you feel?