The 1848 Public Health Act was ineffective largely because it was permissive. It was generally ignored and its advice was not taken. The permissiveness of the act was not the only reason why it was ineffective. Many other factors contributed to its failing. The permissiveness of the act is evident from the fact that it was only going to be used for five years. This was clearly not enough time to make the changes necessary and …showed first 75 words of 726 total…

…showed last 75 words of 726 total…it could be an excuse for the government. There was still a strong belief in the miasmic theory and that smells were natural and should be tolerated. No knowledge of germs was also important. In conclusion, the main reason why the 1848 Act was ineffective was because it was permissive. However, the climate of laissez faire in which the act was introduced and the lack of the vote for working class was also important. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**