Coke Fires Not Health Danger, Society Says

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31768, 27 August 1968, Page 10

Coke Fires Not Health Danger, Society Says

There is no more harm to health from a coke fire than from a coal fire, according to a statement by the Clean Air Society's publicity officer (Mr P..V. Neary).

“The Clean Air Society has consistently advocated any practical measures which will make some reduction in the smoke and fume shrouding Christchurch. We have advocated the full use of local low-sulphur coke supplies and believe that the local output of coke should be used completely. “Many people will wish to retain open fires for traditional and cost reasons and it will require a period of some 10 years before the open coal fire will ‘bvw out’ on its own account.

"If the standard of domestic coal supplies is improved by the reduction of slack and sulphur, and if it is burned on or in existing equipment as a mixture "with coke, there would be an immediate reduction in air pollution," said Mr Neary. “The belief is held in some quarters that open coke fires are injurious to health but coke is derived from coal and all the gases given off by coke are also given off by coal. So long as there is no down draught in the chimney and the room is not too tightly sealed against the entry of fresh air, the gases will go up the chimney whether coal or coke is used.

“The British Housing Ministry advise that there is no more harm to health from a coke fire than from a coal fire. "The society therefore supports any actions on the part of the Christchurch Gas Company and the coal industry in any effort to reduce smoke and sulphur emission from

the domestic open Are as It believes this to be a sensible short-term measure,” said Mr Neary.