Disease

Disease
Little drainage, crowded accommodation, poor water supply - perfect conditions for the rapid spread of Asiatic cholera.
High death rates and spread of the disease to the upper classes were the driving force for the people with the desire to secure improvement in living and sanitary conditions to insist that the Government took action.
Dr Thomas Southwood-Smith 1839
Believed cholera could not be transmitted in pure air.
The cause of the disease can be removed by good ventilation of buildings.
The doctor's report widely read and greatly influenced the Government.
Government orders a Poor Law report on the conditions of the labouring classes in London.
Mortality Rates
In London in 1829 - of 52 deaths recorded, 41 were only 25 years old or less.
Average age of people who died from lung disease was 28 years.
The understanding of the effects of insanitary buildings greatly influenced people to demand building regulations.
The Local Government Act 1858 and Building Bye-Laws
September 1848 a further cholera outbreak in Sunderland and Scotland.
June 1849 large impact on London, Manchester, Leeds, Hull and Liverpool.
Serious attempts were made to clean up filthy areas.