The Great Smog of London

The Great Smog of London occurred in December 1952 when a thick, toxic fog enveloped the city due to a combination of cold weather, high humidity, and pollution from coal fires. This severe smog reduced visibility and caused respiratory problems, leading to thousands of illnesses and deaths. The event highlighted the dangers of air pollution, prompting the British government to take action to improve air quality, ultimately resulting in the Clean Air Act of 1956. This legislation aimed to reduce smoke emissions, marking a significant turning point in environmental regulation in the UK.