👉 The Norfolk Fumes refer to a series of air pollution episodes that occurred in Norfolk, England, particularly in the early 1970s, primarily affecting the towns and cities along the Norfolk Coast and the surrounding areas. These episodes were caused by a combination of industrial emissions, especially from chemical plants and factories, and agricultural burning, which released large quantities of sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and other pollutants into the atmosphere. The resulting haze severely impacted air quality, leading to health issues such as respiratory problems and exacerbating existing conditions like asthma. The term "Norfolk Fumes" has since become a metaphor for any significant air pollution event with similar causes, highlighting the region's vulnerability to industrial and agricultural emissions.
