ABSTRACT
Whilst the first legislative controls over atmospheric emissions date back to the Alkali Act 1863, nevertheless, this early legislation did not control the emissions of smoke from all industrial processes. The use of coal and the consequent emissions of smoke and grit particles from both houses and factories resulted in serious pollution and health problems. However, it was not until the Clean Air Acts of 1956 and 1968 that there was any comprehensive attempt to control emissions of smoke, dust and grit from industrial and domestic premises. (The earlier Public Health (Smoke Abatement) Act 1926 proved to be an ineffective control of domestic smoke.) The CAA 1956 was introduced to prohibit the emission of dark smoke from any domestic or industrial chimney. A chimney was defined as any structure or opening through which smoke is emitted. Its scope was extended by the CAA 1968 which prohibited emissions of dark smoke from any industrial or trade premises, even though the emission was not made from a chimney. These Acts have now been consolidated into the CAA 1993. Enforcement of the CAA 1993 is the responsibility of the local authorities, which may act both with regard to smoke arising within their areas or affecting their areas.
