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These hazes were not natural formations of the atmosphere: water vapour would stick to particulates released by coal-burning factories, producing dark and heavy clouds that impaired visibility. What was the name of Franz Ferdinand’s assassin? Who was known as the Iron Chancellor? From the Irish famine to Lady Godiva, journey through European history in this quiz. Rapidly increasing industrialization that began in the late 1700s made conditions even worse. Complaints about smoke and pollution increased in the 1600s, when ultimately ineffective legislation was passed under King James I to restrict coal burning. But polluted fog was an issue in London as early as the 13th century, due to the burning of coal, and the situation only worsened as the city continued to expand. Known as “ pea-soupers” for their dense, yellow appearance, such all-encompassing fogs had became a hallmark of London by the 19th century.
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The phenomenon of “London fog” long predated the crisis of the early 1950s. Its consequences prompted the passing of the Clean Air Act four years later, which marked a turning point in the history of environmentalism. This combination of smoke and fog brought the city to a near standstill and resulted in thousands of deaths. Great Smog of London, lethal smog that covered the city of London for five days (December 5–9) in 1952, caused by a combination of industrial pollution and high- pressure weather conditions.
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