ONE ‘CLAG’ DEMO WON’T CAUSE POLLUTION

I wholly agree with Evan Green-Hughes’ carefully reasoned article on pollution. Firstly, the steam locomotive’s contribution to the appalling smogs (some of which I experienced) was mostly from the large numbers on sheds, being prepared, having fires dropped, on standby, and working as yard pilots. Linesiders obviously publicise the most dramatic, usually very temporary, spectacular clag effects, because it makes a great photo, but they are often contrived. I recall one lady complaining about the fumes from such a runpast, which took seconds to dissipate. The mess left by her dog in the station car park would have taken about a month to disappear. We should show those in authority what a normal engine exhaust is. Lichens are a sensitive indicator for sulphur pollution; they still flourish beside the West Highland extension, and other frequently steam-worked lines. There is medical evidence that small amounts of sulphur are beneficial, demonstrated by the longevity and lack of sickness of signalmen who worked the box in the middle of the old Woodhead Tunnel. More importantly, we should explain that most pollution from steam is more apparent than real. Geoff Mileham, Orlando, Florida