How Londoners turned to face masks to survive the Great Smog in the 1950s (14 photos)

In December 1952, a thick blanket of smog descended on the British capital—the result of cold weather, stagnant winds, and acrid sulfurous smoke from heavy coal use. Since London was already infamous for its dense fogs, the event initially sparked no panic.

However, the toxic “pea-souper” ultimately claimed up to 12,000 lives and left over 100,000 people ill. As the foul, heavily polluted air settled over the city, Londoners began wearing face masks to protect themselves from the smog.