What Are the Causes of Industrial Air Pollution?

Industrial air pollution is caused by a variety of chemicals, but they can be narrowed down into two categories: particulate matter and gases. Not only are such toxins harmful to the environment, humans suffer as well. Groups including the World Health Organization point out many medical effects from these pollutants. Knowing the dangers of industrial air pollution is important to diagnosing, reducing and eventually reversing its effects.

Gases

• The World Health Organization lists three main gas sources of industrial air pollution. Ozone produced at low altitudes makes up the majority of gaseous pollution. It is created by a chemical reaction between other pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Sunlight is the catalyst for this reaction, which is why the majority of ozone is produced in the summer. Another source of pollution is nitrogen dioxide, which can sometimes be found in ozone. Industrially, it comes from power generation, but it also is caused by vehicle engines and heating. A third pollutant is sulphur dioxide, which is a colorless gas with a strong odor. It is a byproduct of burning fossil fuels like coal and oil, as well as smelting minerals that contain sulfur.

Health Effects

• Since gases are inhaled, they can affect the lungs in many ways. Ozone can cause asthma, impair the lungs and trigger lung diseases. Nitrogen oxide is known to increase bronchitis symptoms for children with asthma and damage lung function. Sulfur dioxide also affects lung capacity while causing mucus to form in the lungs, causing bronchitis and coughing and worsening asthma.

Particulate Matter

• According to the World Health Organization, particulate matter (PM) harms more people than any gases. PM is made up of liquids or solids that are suspended in the air. These pollutants can be organic or inorganic and include sulfate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, carbon, mineral dust and water. Like gases, these particles and materials can be inhaled, causing major health problems.

Health Effects

• The World Health Organization warns that particulate-matter levels in urban areas are already a threat. If inhaled, PM can affect certain areas of the bronchioles, a lung area responsible for absorbing oxygen and passing carbon dioxide. Other, more serious health issues have arisen, including different respiratory diseases, heart problems and lung cancer.

Environmental Effects

• It is no secret that the environment also suffers from industrial air pollution. Although the chemicals emitted by factories and power plants are released into the air, they eventually return to the ground. As a result, the pollutants contaminate the ground and water. When these substances reach the water, they are absorbed by fish, killing them or rendering them toxic to eat. Ground-level ozone harms plant growth, affecting forestry and farming.