Public Health Act of 1848

The Public Health Act of 1848 was a significant law in the UK aimed at improving sanitation and preventing disease. It established local health authorities responsible for managing sewage, water supply, and waste, addressing widespread health issues caused by poor living conditions. The act laid the foundation for modern public health systems by emphasizing cleanliness, hygiene, and disease prevention. It marked a shift from individual to community responsibility for health and set standards for urban sanitation, helping to reduce outbreaks of illness like cholera and typhoid. Overall, it was a crucial step toward healthier living environments.