Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Electroporation of Mycobacteria
Published on: May 23, 2008
The Great London Smog of 1952
1Barbara J. Polivka is the Shirley B. Powers Endowed Chair and a professor at the University of Louisville School of Nursing, Louisville, KY. Contact author: barbara.polivka@louisville.edu. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Abstract:
: The Great London Smog of December 1952 lasted five days and killed up to 12,000 people. The smog developed primarily because of extensive burning of high-sulfur coal. The health effects were both immediate and long lasting, with a recent study revealing an increased likelihood of childhood asthma development in those exposed to the Great Smog while in utero or during their first year of life. Subsequent pollution legislation-including the U.S. Clean Air Act and its amendments-have demonstrably reduced air pollution and positively impacted health outcomes. With poor air quality events like the Great Smog continuing to occur today, nurses need to be aware of the impact such environmental disasters can have on human health.
Related Concept Videos
Breathing
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

