In December 1952, the British capital was covered with a thick layer of smog-the result of cold weather, windlessness and sulfurous acrid smoke caused by excessive use of coal. Since London was already famous for its thick fog, there was no panic.
However, up to 12,000 people died from the poisonous "pea soup" and more than 100,000 fell ill. Since the air was polluted and had an unpleasant taste, people began to wear masks to protect them from smog.
How Londoners used masks to escape the Great Smog in the 1950sHow Londoners used masks to escape the Great Smog in the 1950sHow Londoners used masks to escape the Great Smog in the 1950sHow Londoners used masks to escape the Great Smog in the 1950sHow Londoners used masks to escape the Great Smog in the 1950sHow Londoners used masks to escape the Great Smog in the 1950sHow Londoners used masks to escape the Great Smog in the 1950sHow Londoners used masks to escape the Great Smog in the 1950sHow Londoners used masks to escape the Great Smog in the 1950sHow Londoners used masks to escape the Great Smog in the 1950sHow Londoners used masks to escape the Great Smog in the 1950s