Industrial Air Pollution: Factories' Impact On Our Atmosphere

Factories are often the first thing that comes to mind when we think of air pollution, with their smokestacks an iconic representation of air pollution in modern society. While factories do contribute significantly to air pollution, producing emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, they are not the only, or even the main, source of air pollution. In Minnesota, for example, only about a quarter of air pollution comes from smokestack facilities, with the rest coming from neighbourhood sources such as vehicles, local businesses, and heating and cooling equipment. Similarly, in France, the food retail sector is a major contributor to emissions, with most of its emissions coming from food and plastic waste. The fashion industry is another major polluter, producing about 10% of our annual carbon footprint. Ultimately, to tackle the climate crisis, it is crucial to identify and prioritise the world's most polluting industries, and implement sustainable practices to reduce emissions.

Fossil fuels

The use of fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, results in significant environmental and health costs. The extraction, transportation, refining, and burning of fossil fuels generate externalities, such as air pollution and water pollution. Air pollution from fossil fuels includes hazardous pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and mercury, which are harmful to both the environment and human health. Nitrogen oxide emissions from burning fossil fuels contribute to smog and acid rain formation, while sulfur dioxide emissions cause acid rain and eutrophication, damaging aquatic ecosystems by lowering oxygen levels.

The health impacts of fossil fuel air pollution are significant, with research linking it to approximately 1 in 5 deaths worldwide. A study by Harvard University and other institutions found that over 8 million people died in 2018 from fossil fuel pollution, with fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) being a major contributor. Fossil fuel combustion is associated with various health issues, including asthma, cancer, and heart disease. The impacts disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income communities, with higher exposure to particulate matter pollution and increased cancer risks.

To address the climate crisis and improve public health, transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is essential. This involves shifting from coal, oil, and gas to renewable power, such as solar and wind energy. Additionally, businesses can play a role by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and purchasing renewable energy.

Particulate matter

The size of particulate matter varies, with some particles being large or dark enough to be visible to the naked eye, while others are so small that they can only be detected using an electron microscope. These fine particles, known as PM2.5, have diameters of 2.5 micrometers or less and pose the greatest risk to human health. They are small enough to be inhaled, allowing them to reach deep into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream. This can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory conditions such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer. There is also emerging evidence linking PM exposure to dementia, low birth weight, and Type 2 diabetes.

The sources of particulate matter emissions vary, with construction and demolition activities contributing a higher proportion of coarse particles (PM10), while industrial and domestic combustion primarily produce fine particles (PM2.5). In recent years, emissions from certain sources, such as road transport and energy industries, have decreased. However, these reductions have been offset by increases in emissions from other activities, such as wood burning in domestic settings and the burning of biomass-based fuels in industries.

Regulating particulate matter is crucial for protecting human health and the environment. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented rules to reduce the emissions of pollutants that form PM, aiding state and local governments in meeting national air quality standards. Similarly, the UK has committed to reducing PM2.5 emissions through the National Emission Ceilings Regulations (NECR) and the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution. As a result, between 1990 and 2023, the UK achieved a 76% reduction in PM2.5 emissions, meeting its emission reduction goals.

While factories and industrial activities contribute to particulate matter emissions, it is important to recognize that other sectors, such as transport, fashion, and food retail, also play a significant role in air pollution. To effectively address the climate crisis, a comprehensive approach targeting the most polluting industries and sectors is necessary. This includes transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, implementing sustainable practices, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Volatile organic compounds

While factories are indeed a significant contributor to air pollution, other sectors also play a prominent role in emitting greenhouse gases and air pollutants. The fossil fuel sector, for instance, is the most polluting industry in the world, with emissions continuing to rise despite a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fashion industry is the third most polluting, producing about 10% of our annual carbon footprint, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. The transport sector is responsible for about one-fifth of GHG emissions, with 60% of that coming from passenger travel, led by air travel.

When it comes to factories, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a significant concern. VOCs are organic chemical compounds that can easily vaporize at room temperature and dissolve into water. They are emitted from a wide range of products, including household and industrial items, and can have serious health impacts. VOCs are released as gases from different liquids or solids, and their health effects depend on both their concentrations and the duration of exposure.

Outdoors, VOCs can cause similar health issues as they do indoors, but they also react with nitrogen oxides to produce ozone pollution, a widespread outdoor air pollutant. VOCs emitted in the industrial sector can come from the burning of fossil fuels, power generation, the manufacturing of chemicals like benzene and methanol, and crude oil processing. High concentrations of VOCs, known as BTEX compounds, are often found in areas with intensive industrial activity. These compounds include aromatic hydrocarbons derived from benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene, which can enter organisms through inhalation, skin contact, or orally through polluted food or water.

To reduce exposure to VOCs, individuals can take several measures. Reading product labels, avoiding or limiting the use of harmful ingredients, safely disposing of unwanted products, and increasing ventilation when using such products are all recommended steps. Additionally, choosing products with lower VOC content, such as paints and building supplies, can help. Implementing integrated pest management practices can also reduce the need for pesticides, which often contain VOCs.

Heavy metals, chemical solvents, and radioactive materials

Factories are significant contributors to air pollution, and while discussions around the specific sources and impacts of air pollution may differ across regions, it is clear that industrial activities play a major role. Heavy metals, chemical solvents, and radioactive materials are among the most concerning pollutants emitted by factories.

Heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), and beryllium (Be), are released into the atmosphere through various industrial processes. For instance, Mn is typically emitted from facilities handling Fe or non-ferrous metals. Pb, on the other hand, is commonly introduced into the atmosphere through fuel combustion activities and is often found in re-suspended road dust. Continuous exposure to these heavy metals, especially Mn and Pb, can have detrimental effects on the nervous system, as evidenced by research.

Chemical solvents are another major category of air pollutants emitted by factories. The production and use of chemicals like ammonia, methanol, sulfuric acid, and hydrochloric acid, contribute significantly to air pollution. For instance, facilities manufacturing nitrogen-based fertilizers are responsible for a significant portion of ammonia emissions. Similarly, paper manufacturing facilities are a major source of methanol releases into the atmosphere.

Radioactive materials released from factories also pose a significant threat to the environment and public health. While information on the specific radioactive pollutants emitted by factories was not readily available, it is known that radioactive isotopes can be released into the air during nuclear power generation, nuclear weapons testing, and certain industrial processes.

The release of these heavy metals, chemical solvents, and radioactive materials into the atmosphere can have far-reaching consequences for both the environment and human health. It is crucial that factories implement measures to reduce these emissions and mitigate their impact on the planet and people's well-being.

Carbon emissions

The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, is a primary driver of carbon emissions from factories. This includes the combustion of these fuels for energy production, as well as the use of fossil fuels in various industrial processes. For example, the manufacturing of chemicals like benzene and methanol, and the processing of crude oil, all release carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Additionally, the burning of fossil fuels in the manufacturing sector can result in the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contain carbon and contribute to both indoor and outdoor air pollution.

Electricity and heat production are the largest contributors to global carbon emissions. In 2022, 60% of the world's electricity was generated by burning fossil fuels, with coal and natural gas being the most commonly used sources. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels for energy production has led to a continuous increase in carbon emissions, even after a brief decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2021 to 2022, CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion increased by 1%, reaching 40.5 gigatons of CO2.

The fashion industry is another significant contributor to carbon emissions, producing about 10% of our annual carbon footprint. This includes not only GHG emissions but also the consumption of vast amounts of water and the generation of plastic and other waste that pollute the air and oceans. Moving away from fast fashion and towards more sustainable and transparent practices can help reduce the industry's carbon footprint.

Transportation is also a major source of carbon emissions, responsible for about one-fifth of GHG emissions. The burning of fossil fuels for cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes releases a substantial amount of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. However, initiatives like the advancement of sustainable fuels, electric vehicles, and alternative fuels are helping to decarbonize this sector.

Frequently asked questions