With Cold-War style chemical kits at the ready, valiant volunteers sample a deadly London 'peasouper' in this fascinating 1950s research film.

Civil Defence volunteers, kitted out with Cold-War style test tubes and vapour pumps, investigate air pollution during one of London's infamous and deadly winter 'smogs'. The findings from such testing led to the banning of dirty coal fires and the introduction of smokeless zones. Among the surprise appearances through the murk is the newly painted pub sign on SE11's celebrated 'Lambeth Walk'.

Civil Defence Corps volunteers taking air samples in the smog at various London locations and testing its composition for carbon monoxide and other pollutants.
Producer's notes:
Sequence 1: Test taken outside Vauxhall Civil Defence Corps Training Centre, Kennington Lane, SE11
Sequence 2: Test taken outside Lambeth Bridge House
Sequence 3: Test taken outside 'The Lambeth Walk', public house
Sequence 4: Test taken at the Lambeth Town Hall Civil Defence Centre.
Sequence 5: Interior shots at the Vauxhall C.D. Training Centre.