[Report 1964] / Medical Officer of Health, Derby County Borough.

  • Derby (England). County Borough Council.
Date:
1964
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1964] / Medical Officer of Health, Derby County Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    134/170 (page 132)
    KiKUiiries made at an existing tannery revealed that the v\aste pioduets were very likely to be the residue from lime pits in which hides are soaked for varying periods as a depilatory process, and would be likely to contain lime, hide matter and sodium sulphide. The public health inspector, while accepting this information, had at the back of his mind the fact that various compoinds of arsenic were used in tanning and research in a half forgotten chemistry book that evening indicated that this was so. Further research in the tomes on tanning m the town library provided final proof that two compounds of Arsenic were indeed used as depilatory agents—particularly in fine leather work. Further enquiries of the local expert tended to show that this use of Arsenic was not normal; nevertheless an anal3’'sis of the deposits Avas indicated and five samples were obtained. Results vindicated the time spent on research—something like .5% Arsenic had been found to be present. The Medical Officer of Health was informed and in due course advised the Housing Committee of the extent of the problem of safeguarding the health of future occupants of the houses, particularly of children, if the site were to be developed. Despite the shortage of sites for housing which had led to this area being considered in the first place, the Committee decided not to proceed with the purchase. Staff. I would like to extend my personal thanks to my Deputy and all members of our depleted inspectorial staff for their Avilling assistance and co-operation during a very difficult year. Despite the problems and restrictions resulting from the far too prolonged period of staff shortage all members have resiionded loyally and conscientiously as in previous j^ears, to any extra demands made upon them. I must record also my appreciation of the work done by the student inspectors and technical assistants who have provided considerable assistance by carrying out various routine duties for the Inspectors. Coupled with this I would add my gratitude for the loyal co-operation of the clerical staff without whom the administration of the department could not effectively be maintained. Finally, my thanks to the chairman and members of the Health Committee for their consideration and guidance in resolving the many problems associated with the work of the department. HOUSING. Slum Clearance. During the year 70 houses Avere represented as being unfit. Due to shortage of staff and increased duties this figure is again Avell beloAv the 3^early requirements. Two compulsory Purchase Orders and one Clearance Order Avere confirmed during the year. These orders contained 131 houses and 2 other buildings. Re-housing of the occupants of unfit houses is taking place at the rate of over 300 houses per year and no difficulties are being encountered. Houses in Multi-Occupation. Towards the end of the year it became possible to allocate one public health inspector to the duty of inspection and control of this t3q)e of house.