Schmidt 1

Ryan Schmidt
Mrs. Ranieri
AP English III
23 May 2014
Industrial Pollution in the United States
Industrial pollution has been a recurring issue for the countries of the world ever since the
19th century. Industrial pollution is such a problem because of the dangerous affects that it can
have on the environment and its inhabitants, including humans. If preventive measures are not
taken to stop the furthering of this impending issue, it can lead to the destruction of Earth. The
growth of this issue and the effects that follow can only be stopped if we change for the better.
Industrial pollution is a very important issue and is deserving of more attention from the people
and government of the United States.
Industrial pollution, in a broad definition, is simply the process of releasing any
contaminant or toxin into the environment that affects the ecosystem and living organisms in a
negative way. New sources of water and air pollution were introduced in the mid-19th century by
the technological advances and discoveries of the Industrial Revolution (Water and Air
Pollution). These technologies were invented to help increase work production and
transportation. An example of a technological device that originated from the revolution that was
invented is the steam engine. Even though the steam engine was created for the positives, many
negative and adverse effects followed.
The effects caused by the use of technologies created during the Industrial Revolution
were beginning to be felt by many countries around the world by the middle of the 20th century
(Water and Air Pollution). In the 1960s there was an environmental movement in effort to stop

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the pollution of the environment through industrial processes and in response the U.S. congress
passed the Clean Air Act (1970) and the Clean Water Act (1972) (Water and Air Pollution).
This showed that the U.S Government was beginning to understand the problem that was
occurring and were trying to find a solution. In 2007, the American Lung Association reported
that forty-six percent of the American population lived in a county that had unhealthy levels of
particle pollution or ozone (Water and Air Pollution). The Clean Air Act was passed to help
reduce the amount of pollution that is released into the air by industrial factories. However, the
report by the ALA showed that most industrial factories were not being regulated. This report
was representative of the governments lack of dedication of trying to fix the problems associated
with industrial pollution. Another example of the government failing to fulfill the regulation that
was created, is the 2006 report by the Environmental News Service (ENS), which stated that
more than sixty-two percent of both industrial and municipal facilities in the U.S. release more
wasted into U.S. waterways between July 2003 and December 2004 than allowed by the Clean
Water Act (Water and Air Pollution).
One of the most common types of industrial pollution is point source pollution, which is
defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as any single identifiable source of
pollution which pollutants are discharged, such as a pipe, ditch, ship or factory smokestack
(Nonpoint Source Pollution). This type of industrial pollution can be seen in many places
across the nation, especially in the city. If a person were to drive around a major city today, at
least one example of point source pollution could be found. Some industrial factories treat waste
or send it to sewage treatment plants before release, but other industrial factories release the
waste untreated (Nonpoint Source Pollution). This needs to change because the waste that is
released into the water, treated or not, has a great affect on the environment. The effects that

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follow affect both the life that lives in the water and the life that relies on the water for a drinking
source. In 1969, chemical waste released into Ohios Cuyahoga River caused it to burst into
flames and the waterway became a symbol of how industrial pollution was destroying Americas
natural resources (Water and Air Pollution). This event, which was caused by the waste
released through industrial pollution, is a very historical event because of the destruction that
was caused. If the people and government of the U.S. dont give more time and dedication to
fixing this problem it can lead to problems that are more destructive.
Carbon dioxide is a common greenhouse gas that is released through industrial processes.
This gas has been constantly released into the atmosphere of the Earth since the Industrial
Revolution. The concentration of carbon dioxide passed 400 parts per million (ppm) for the first
time since measurements started in 1958 in the atmosphere of Mauna loa, Hawaii on May 9th,
2013 (Carbon Dioxide). The reason that carbon dioxide is the most common gas used when
measuring the state of the atmosphere is because the gas is so abundant and can create many
issues. 3.7 million tons of carbon dioxide are released each year by an average size 500
megawatt coal-fired electricity plants (10 Harsh Realities). The longer that industrial pollution
continues without constant regulation, the more severe the effects of carbon dioxide becomes.
Industrial pollution has occurred for so much time that the global average for carbon dioxide
concentration has increased by approximately 120 ppm since before the Industrial Revolution
(Carbon Dioxide). If the rate in which the carbon dioxide concentration is growing continues
there will be a massive amount of destruction to the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a gas that has
the ability to absorb and hold heat that is released from the sun. As the carbon dioxide
concentration increases, so does the average temperature of the Earth. This process of
temperature increase is also known as Global Warming. Global warming isnt the only thing

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that is caused by the wastes released through industrial pollution. Acid rain, which is caused by
mixing of greenhouse gases released by industrial pollution and water molecules in the air, was
first discovered in the 1850s and has been known to cause the destruction of plants, soil, forests
and buildings made of certain materials (Water and Air Pollution). If industrial pollution
continues the severity of acid rain will only increase and cause far more problems than just the
destruction of vegetation. The pH level, which is the measure of the acidity or alkalinity, is
already becoming more acidic in many bodies of water in the U.S. Since there is an increase in
acidity the fish population in many areas are dying and freshwater sources, which only make up
approximately 3% of the drinkable water on Earth, are being poisoned beyond recovery. Not
only are the atmosphere and ecosystems affected by the release of carbon dioxide and global
warming, but so is the health of the American population. However, carbon dioxide isnt the only
waste that is released from industrial pollution that causes adverse health effects.
Even though the effects of the Industrial Revolution werent noticed by many countries of
the world until years later, but many events occurred in the U.S. during the first couple years
after the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. A few years earlier, in 1948, severe industrial
pollution created a deadly smog that asphyxiated 20 people in Donora, Pennsylvania, and made
7,000 more sick (Water and Air Pollution). This event occurred when the concentration of
greenhouse gases in the U.S. was significantly lower than it is now. If the emissions of
greenhouse gases and other industrial pollutants continue the following effects can be more lethal
than in 1948. There are many other sources of carbon dioxide emissions, but the majority is
accounted for by industrial processes. Transportation accounted for thirty-two percent of carbon
dioxide emissions between 1990 and 2012, but the production of electricity and other industrial
processes accounted for fifty-two percent (Carbon Dioxide Emission). Even if greener ways

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of transportations such as fuel cell cars and maglev trains are used more commonly across the
U.S, there is still a great amount of carbon dioxide being emitted because of industrial pollution.
Industrial pollution accounts for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions and is deserving to be
the main focus of the U.S. government.
Industrial pollution isnt something that is going unnoticed by the factories which commit
these actions. Also since there is a lack of government initiative these companies are able to get
away with doing so. Many of the industrial factories that release the waste straight into the
environment do so knowing that is can cause major problems with the people and animals living
in that area. According to 2000 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), over 2.95 million metric tons (6.5 billion pounds) of toxic chemical
from about 2,000 industrial facilities are annually released into the environment and in these
2.95 million metric tons, which are released, are 45,360 metric tons of carcinogens (Pollution
Issues). The waste that is accounted for in this statement include both waste in solid and gas
form. These chemicals that are released into the environment by industrial processes are lethal if
exposed to over a long amount of time.
Most people connect greenhouse gases with the destruction of the environment and the
furthering of global warming. However, one of the main reasons why industrial pollution should
be a huge focus for the U.S. public and government is because the effects that it has on a persons
health. Carbon monoxide when in the bloodstream reduces the amount of oxygen that is
delivered throughout the body, which can be a very serious problem for people that already
suffer from cardiovascular disease (Air Quality Programs). The only way to stop the harmful
effects of carbon monoxide, when it is released into the air, is to completely stop industrial
pollution. If the regulations that the U.S. government creates are not enforced then these

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problems will keep occurring. This is an example of how industrial pollution can directly affect
a persons health. However, the pollution from industrial processes dont always affect the
human population directly. A common emission from an electricity plant is mercury, which when
released into the environment can cause birth defects, brain damage, and other health ailments if
a person consumes the meat of a fish that is caught in the contaminated water (10 Harsh
Realities). Fish is consumed by many people in the U.S. The waterways that are closer to
industrial facilities usually have a bigger population of fish that are tainted with mercury. If the
emission of mercury continues, without human intervention, it could lead to the point that there
are no longer any fish for consumption in many of the waterways in the U.S. This is an example
of how the health of the American public are affected by industrial pollution non-directly.Soil
pollution creates many problems with agriculture and causes health issues for the people that
come in contact with the contaminated soil on a daily basis (Causes and Effects of Industrial
Pollution). In the majority of the U.S. agriculture is something that many people rely on for a
source of income or as a source of food. The farmers that come in contact with contaminated soil
while planting or harvesting a crop can eventually have major health effects after long times of
exposure. The health effects of the soil pollution dont just stop with the farmers that come in
contact with the tainted soil. The people that rely on agriculture that is planted in polluted soil
will eventually have health problems such as those present in the farmers. These harmful effects
cant be stopped unless the U.S. government and population take action.
The U.S. government has passed many laws to regulate industrial pollution over the few
decades. However, industrial pollution is at an all time high and is producing great amounts of
waste, which are released into both the air and water. The Sierra Club is suing the Luminant
Generation Company, which is Texas largest electric producer, for releasing more pollution into

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the air than the amount that is allowed by the state and federal law (Neena). Since there is a lack
of government action in regulating industrial pollution many smaller private organizations are
resorting to acting upon the issue directly. In the next couple years as industrial pollution
becomes more of a problem more private organizations will sue companies directly instead of
relying on the U.S. government actions. The Sierra Club vs. Luminant Generation Company
case, which will be heard in federal court, is the third lawsuit in which an environmental group
has sued a company instead of relying on government action (Neena). Even though the U.S.
government is lacking of dedication to fixing industrial pollution, the American population is
responsible for many of the issues surrounding industrial pollution.
In the world we live in today the majority of the things that we rely on are powered by
the power of electricity. Since electricity is such a huge resource for the American public, it is
hard to think about the ways to stop the usage of it. However, many Americans waste huge
amounts of electricity by doing little things that are not thought about. The generation of
electricity through industrial process accounted for thirty-one percent of the total amount of
carbon dioxide emitted by the U.S. in the year 2012 (Carbon Dioxide Emission). Some
examples of bad practices for wasting electricity around the house are leaving the television on
while not using it and not turning off lights in unoccupied rooms. However, there are some very
small precautions that can be taken to stop the waste of electrical energy. One way to save
electricity is by purchasing certain products and appliances that are more efficient than others.
Energy Star approved products are very efficient and even though these products may cost a little
more money, over time money will be saved. Also, large amounts of energy can be saved just by
making sure to unplug or turn off any electrical appliances when they are not being used. In a

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time of great advancement in technology, many new devices are being created to prevent the
continuation of industrial pollution.
New modes of transportation have been created to help reduced the amount of
greenhouse gas emissions. However, the main source of industrial pollution, such as the
generation of electricity, still remain a problem. In 2007, two MIT students proposed the idea of
installing piezoelectric flooring in urban areas one footstep can only provide enough electrical
current to light two 60-watt bulbs for one second approximately 28,500 footsteps generate
enough energy to power a train for one second (Trimarchi). If this technology were to become
implemented in many places around the U.S., a large portion of industrial pollution could be
prevented. The U.S. could greatly benefit from this technology if it were placed in certain public
places such as a mall or grocery store. However, it will only be possible if the U.S. and local
governments are willing to allow this technology to be integrated into major cities. Technological
advances are not the only thing that can help the issue of industrial pollution.
Many people across the U.S. are starting to live healthier by planting and eating their own
fruits and vegetables. Not only does this process provide a healthier source of food, but it can
also help with the overwhelming issue of industrial pollution. Green roofs and green streets
are being pursued in Portland, Oregon to stop sewer flow that is released into the river and there
are now over 517,000 acres of vegetated roofs, which help catch storm water, cools down the
city environment and gives opportunity to rooftop gardens, in Chicago Illinois (National
Geographic Freshwater 101: Pollution). This strategy is better than most technological devices
in fixing industrial pollution because the waste of vegetated roofs are biodegradable. If the
government were to pass a law that required every major city in the U.S. to adopt this idea,

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industrial pollution could be greatly reduced. Also, the by-product of using vegetated roofs is a
source of food that will help the health of Americans that are affected by industrial pollution.
Industrial pollution has been a problem for many countries around the world since the
beginning of the Industrial Revolution. However, the U.S. is one of the countries that is affected
the most, because it is also one of the main contributors to industrial pollution. The continuation
of this issue can be blamed on the actions of both the U.S. government and the public. The
majority of the processes that are conducted in the U.S. lead to greenhouse gas emissions, which
primarily consist of carbon dioxide, which is created by burning fossil fuels and natural gases. As
senior scientist Pieter Tans of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
stated, The evidence is conclusive that the strong growth of global CO2 emissions from the
burning of coal, oil, and natural gas is driving the acceleration (Carbon Dioxide). These gases
are causing harm to the environment and the human population, such as causing health problems
and the destruction of vegetation. The only way that this problem can be fixed is by human
interaction. If the U.S. public adapts greener ways of living, such as buying electrically
efficient appliances and growing their own food, a part of industrial pollution can be prevented.
However, it isnt all up to the American public to fix this problem, as the government needs to
contribute as well. Many laws have been passed by the U.S. government to regulate pollution,
but the government is not enforcing the laws. If the government were to enforce the regulations
that are set, a majority of the issues that deal with industrial pollution will be prevented.
Industrial pollution is a major problem for the U.S, but if the U.S. government and public pay
more attention and have more dedication to fixing these problems, it is possible to stop it.

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Work Cited
"10 Harsh Realities of the US Coal Industry." Web log post. Clearing the PR Pollution That
Clouds Climate Science. DeSmogBlog. Web. 20 May 2014.
<http://www.desmogblog.com/coal-power-industry-united-states-facts>.
"Air Quality Programs." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 20 May 2014.
<http://www.epa.gov/region7/air/quality/health.htm>.
"Carbon Dioxide at NOAA's Mauna Loa Observatory Reaches New Milestone: Tops 400
Ppm." ESRL News. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, 10 May 2013.
Web. 20 May 2014. <http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/news/2013/CO2400.html>.
"Carbon Dioxide Emissions." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 21 May 2014.
<http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/gases/co2.html>.
"Causes and Effects of Industrial Pollution - Conserve Energy Future."ConserveEnergyFuture.
Web. 21 May 2014.
<http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-of-industrial-pollution.php>.
"National Geographic Freshwater 101: Pollution." National Geographic. Web. 20 May 2014.
<http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/pollution/>.
"Nonpoint Source Pollution." NOAA's National Ocean Service Education:. National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration. Web. 20 May 2014.
<http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/pollution/03pointsource.html>.
"Pollution Issues." Industry. Web. 21 May 2014.

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<http://www.pollutionissues.com/Ho-Li/Industry.html#b>.
Satija, Neena. "Environmental Groups Resort to Suing Industries Directly." The New York
Times. The New York Times, 22 Feb. 2014. Web. 20 May 2014.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/us/environmental-groups-resort-to-suingindustries-directly.html?ref=sierraclub>.
Trimarchi, Maria. "Can House Music Solve the Energy Crisis?" HowStuffWorks.
HowStuffWorks.com, 10 Sept. 2008. Web. 20 May 2014.
<http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/house-music-energycrisis1.htm>.
"Water and Air Pollution." History.com. A&E Television Networks. Web. 20 May 2014.
<http://www.history.com/topics/water-and-air-pollution>.