THE SMOKE NUISANCE 249 



berculosis, on the other hand, he shows to he independent of the smoke 

 density, following, as it does everywhere, the line of overcrowding and 

 poverty. 



In summarizing the results of all medical investigators whose opin- 

 ions are based on other groups than theory, it can be asserted that 

 smoke has a tremendous influence in increasing the incident severity 

 and mortality of acute disease of the air passages. It would appear that 

 this increased susceptability is, in part, the result of the lowering of our 

 natural body resistance. In simple terms, the smokier the atmosphere, 

 the more the colds and bronchitis, and the more money paid to doctors. 



It would seem from a consideration of the four points that have 

 been discussed that it is high time for the people to arouse themselves 

 from the apathy that they have shown toward the smoke nuisance. The 

 purification of the atmosphere should receive the same attention as pure 

 food and pure water are receiving, for it is just as important. People 

 should be educated as to the evils of the nuisance so that an active and 

 intelligent public opinion could be brought to bear on those who are 

 responsible for it. The demand should go out that the nuisance be 

 abated as a menace to health, property and the things which make for 

 civic betterment. 



