Edwin Chadwick

Edwin Chadwick

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Caption: : 1842

What did he look at?

Sanitary conditions of Britain's labouring population in 1842 Why so many people were becoming ill due to these conditions What could be done to improve conditions

What did he find?

Those who lived in cities had a lower life expectancy Those who worked in work-houses also had a lower life expectancy He believed this was due to the dire public health they had there This included back to back housing, waste and rubbish in the streets and water  filled with excrement

What solutions did he propose?

Cut taxes and save money in the long run by improving drainage and sewers Removing refuse from streets and houses Providing clean water Appointing officers to enforce these reforms He thought rich people would support him as their workers would be healthier and able to work more

Did anything change?

Actions The 1848 Public Health Act  was introduced so councils could clean up and improve conditions This was the first time any law regarding public health had been passed

How successful?Councils weren't forced to clean up and act on the reforms unless the death rate reached a certain number. Therefore, many didn't improve on their public health.

How successful was he?