Pollutants given off by various industries and factories are often considered to be one of the prime factors contributing to air, water and soil pollution. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it has been estimated that industrial pollution is responsible for almost 50 percent of the pollution present in the United States. There are various wide-ranging effects, as well as serious consequences, of industrial pollution on the ecological balance of the atmosphere.
· Air Pollution:
Air pollution is hazardous chemicals and toxic matter released into the Earth's atmosphere. While there are numerous causes of air pollution, industries are considered a prime source. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that industrial pollution is responsible for 50 percent of the air pollution in the United States. There are several serious environmental and health effects associated with air pollution by industries.With the increase in the number of industries and factories due to the industrial revolution; air pollution also has increased significantly. The emissions from various industries contain large amounts of gases such as carbon dioxide, sulphur and nitrogen, among others. These gases, when present in elevated levels in the atmosphere, often result in various environmental and health hazards such as acid rain, and various skin disorders in individuals.
· Global Warming:
Global warming is one of the most common and serious consequences of industrial pollution. The emission of various greenhouse gases such as CO2, methane (CH4), among others from various industries, increases the overall temperature of the earth, resulting in global warming. Global warming has various serious hazards, both on the environment as well as on human health. It results in melting of glaciers and snow-capped mountains, causing an increase of the water levels in seas and rivers, thereby increasing the chances of flood. Apart from this, global warming also has numerous health risks on humans, such as increase of diseases such as malaria and dengue, cholera, Lyme disease and plague, among others.
· Water Pollution:
Pollution emitted from the industries is also one of the major factors contributing towards water pollution. Dumping of various industrial waste products into water sources, and improper contamination of industrial wastes, often result in polluting the water. Such water pollution disturbs the balance of the ecosystem inside, resulting in the death of various animal and plant species present in the water.
· Soil Pollution:
Soil pollution is defined as a phenomenon is which the soil loses its structure and fertility due to various natural and artificial reasons. Dumping of industrial wastes is one of the prime factors contributing towards soil pollution. Industrial wastes contain large amounts of various chemicals which get accumulated on the top layer of the soil, resulting in loss of fertility of the soil. Such loss of fertility ultimately results in changes in the ecological balances of the environment due to reduction in plant growth.
· Ozone Layer:
The ozone layer helps protect life from dangerous exposure to radiation from UV rays. Industries release compounds containing carbon, fluorine and chlorinepollutants (CFC) in everyday items such as aerosol cans, refrigerator coolants and packing foam which harm the sustainability of the ozone layer. Hence, air pollution can cause several health problems in humans such as skin cancer.
· Acid Rain:
Acid rain is caused when nitrogen and sulphuric gases are released into the atmosphere. These gases react with water vapors to create aggressive gases like nitric acid and sulphuric acid. Acid rain has various environmental and health dangers. It can cause the erosion of buildings, create acidic soil in agriculture and decrease the growth of plants and animals. Acid rain can also cause skin disorders, cancer and death.
· Respiratory Disorders:
Air pollution from industries can even enter your home and work place. Carbon monoxide gases released from industrial air pollution often causes respiratory disorders and death in humans. For example, people may be diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and bronchitis. Additionally, air pollution from industrial emissions can lead to occupational diseases such as asbestosis and pneumoconiosis.
· Other Common Effects:
Certain other common effects of industrial pollution include damaging buildings and structures, increasing the risk of various occupational hazards such as asbestosis, pneumoconiasis, among others.
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