On this day, December the 5th, in the year of 1952, the Great Smog of London, a thick smog which engulfed the city of London and resulted in the deaths of thousands, began.

At the time in London, pollution from industrial sites was an everyday yet lessening problem, but with a mix of the right weather conditions, the pollution from in and out of the city were positioned over London.

Lasting roughly for five days, the pollution reduced visibility in London to the point where people could barely see in front of them.

The death total caused by the event ranges from 4,000 to 12,000 people, with more suffering life long health issues (Met Office) (Britannica).

To read more daily facts and tidbits, see the Barron Perspectives “On this Day Archives” webpage.