Industrial Pollution's Impact On People In 1885

The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century brought about new sources of pollution, with coal being used as fuel on a large scale, leading to serious health issues for residents of growing urban centres. The burning of coal caused smog and soot, which had detrimental effects on the health of people living in these areas. By the mid-1950s, the effects of industrial pollution were becoming evident, with the Great Smog of 1952 in London causing the deaths of 4,000 people in just one week. While data on air quality was not available until the 20th century, we know that pollution in the 1880s had a significant impact on people's health and well-being.

Respiratory issues and reduced life expectancy

The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century brought about new sources of air and water pollution. Coal was used to power engines and generate electricity, and its burning resulted in smog and soot that had severe health consequences for residents of urban areas.

The respiratory issues caused by coal combustion were widespread and severe. Even before the 1850s, higher coal intensity was linked to increased death rates from respiratory diseases, particularly among the very young and the elderly. A mere 1% increase in coal intensity resulted in a rise in infant deaths by one per 100 births. Communities in valleys suffered more fatalities as their smoke emissions were trapped and concentrated.

Coal combustion also led to repeated respiratory illnesses and slower growth during childhood. Those who grew up in highly polluted areas were almost an inch shorter than those with access to cleaner air. This disparity in height is twice as significant as the height difference between children of white-collar and manual workers.

The impact of air pollution on respiratory health in 1885 was likely similar to, or worse than, the effects observed in the late 19th century. The lack of data and specific studies from that exact period makes it challenging to provide precise details about the respiratory issues and reduced life expectancy during that time. However, it is reasonable to assume that the intense coal burning and lack of regulations in the 19th century resulted in significant respiratory problems and potentially contributed to reduced life expectancy for those exposed to such pollution.

The effects of air pollution on respiratory health were not limited to immediate consequences like respiratory illnesses. Long-term exposure to polluted air during childhood and adolescence could have resulted in slower growth and shorter adult stature for those who grew up in highly polluted areas. This suggests that the impact of air pollution on respiratory health could have had lasting effects on individuals even into adulthood.

Industrial pollution in rivers and streams

In 1885, people had a basic understanding of the link between pollution and disease. However, industrial pollution continued to contaminate rivers and streams, causing severe health issues.

The dumping of industrial waste into rivers and streams was a common practice in the 19th century, and it had devastating effects on the environment and public health. By the late 19th century, as cities became more populated, rivers that were once sources of clean drinking water turned into open, polluted sewers.

One example is the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, which, by the late 19th century, supplied 95% of the city's drinking water. However, upstream smaller cities poured waste into the river, causing it to become severely polluted. The contaminated water spread diseases, and the death rate from typhoid fever, a waterborne illness, increased alarmingly.

Another instance of industrial pollution is the Tawe River in Wales, which, in 1897, was reported to be grossly contaminated by "alkali works, copper works, sulfuric acid liquid, sulfate of iron from tin-plate works, and by slag, cinders, and small coal."

The agricultural sector was also a significant contributor to water pollution. Fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms washed into waterways during rainfall, leading to nutrient pollution and algal blooms that were harmful to both people and wildlife.

Measures to Address Pollution

Recognizing the severe health impacts of polluted water, cities took measures to control waste and garbage. Chicago, for instance, built the first major sewage system in the United States in the mid-1850s to treat wastewater. Philadelphia's city council voted to construct a municipal filtration system by 1900, which successfully eradicated typhoid fever.

However, it took nearly half a century for a federal environmental policy to be implemented to help rebalance river ecology and focus on watershed management.

Unsanitary living conditions and water contamination

During the 19th century, sanitation was generally poor and inadequate, especially in cities. The rapid population growth and industrialization that characterized this period led to overcrowding and unsanitary living conditions. The lack of proper sanitation infrastructure and limited understanding of hygiene principles contributed to the spread of diseases.

In 1885, Philadelphia, for example, faced a water crisis due to industrial waste contaminating their drinking water supply. By that time, 95% of the city's drinking water came from the Schuylkill River, which had become an open, polluted sewer. The pollution spread diseases, and the death rate from waterborne illnesses like typhoid fever increased at alarming rates.

The understanding of the link between unsanitary living conditions, water contamination, and disease outbreaks was growing in the 19th century. This awareness prompted cities to take measures to control waste and improve sanitary conditions. However, the implementation of effective sanitation infrastructure and waste management systems was a gradual process, and significant advancements in sanitation practices and public health occurred later in the century and in the early 20th century.

The lack of proper waste management systems in the 19th century resulted in inadequate disposal of human waste, animal waste, and garbage. Open drains, rivers, or cesspools were often used for waste disposal, causing water contamination and foul odors. Improper waste disposal also attracted pests and rodents, further endangering public health. Overcrowding in urban areas exacerbated unsanitary living conditions, as waste accumulation and inadequate sanitation infrastructure struggled to keep up with the growing population.

The impact of unsanitary living conditions and water contamination on public health was significant. Diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and tuberculosis spread easily due to the lack of clean water and proper waste management. The miasma theory, which attributed disease transmission to foul odors, influenced sanitation practices during this time. While this theory was later disproven by John Snow, who identified contaminated water as the source of cholera outbreaks in London, it nonetheless prompted efforts to improve sewage systems and clean water supply systems.

Air pollution from coal combustion

The 19th century saw a surge in coal burning, which, alongside the release of harmful emissions, had devastating consequences for human health and the environment. This was particularly evident in major industrial cities like London and Manchester, where the air was filled with harmful pollutants from smokestack emissions. The smog that blanketed these cities had dire health implications, causing respiratory problems and a rise in cases of lung diseases such as bronchitis and asthma. The impact was especially severe on vulnerable populations, including the poor who lived near factories.

The burning of coal for energy and transportation was a primary contributor to the worsening air quality. Coal-fired power plants emitted sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, contributing to smog and respiratory issues. Most households also relied on burning coal for heating and cooking, releasing smoke, soot, and other harmful pollutants into the air. The increasing use of steam engines, factories, and railroads further exacerbated the problem, emitting smoke, soot, and other harmful particles into the atmosphere.

The combination of coal consumption for heating, industrial emissions, and transport fumes resulted in the formation of thick smog, known as the London Smog or Pea Soup Fog, which had detrimental effects on public health and visibility. The great London Smog of 1952, caused by air pollution from coal combustion and weather conditions, killed an estimated 4,000 to 12,000 people in just one week.

In addition to respiratory issues, coal combustion also affected the health of those who survived. It led to repeated respiratory illnesses, slower growth during childhood, and shorter adult stature. Those who grew up in the most polluted areas were almost an inch shorter than those who experienced cleaner air, even after accounting for household and local characteristics.

The impact of coal combustion on water pollution was also significant. Factories released hazardous chemicals, including heavy metals, into nearby rivers and streams, resulting in water pollution and making water sources unsafe for consumption. This contaminated water supply posed a significant risk to public health, causing diseases like cholera and dysentery.

The effects of coal combustion on the environment were severe, contributing to acid rain, deforestation, and damage to ecosystems. Despite the adverse consequences, it wasn't until the latter half of the 19th century that people began to recognize and address the issue of air pollution. The struggles of the 19th century serve as a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and the need for sustainable practices.

The emergence of the environmental movement

The environmental movement sought to address the tide of pollutants flowing into the planet's ecosystems, with events like Earth Day and legislative victories such as the Clean Air Act (1970) and the Clean Water Act (1972) in the United States. These efforts were fuelled by scientific advancements and an increasing public concern for the planet.

The roots of the movement can be traced back to the 1800s, with the Enlightenment political economists and the Romantic movement expressing concerns about the social and environmental impacts of industrialisation. The Reverend Thomas Malthus, for instance, developed theories of "overpopulation", while John Stuart Mill advocated for a "stationary state" economy, foreshadowing modern ecological economics.

By the mid-20th century, the environmental movement had gained momentum, spurred by innovations in technology and the increasing use of fossil fuels, particularly in industrial agriculture. The publication of Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" in 1962 played a pivotal role in bringing attention to the environmental damage caused by the improper use of pesticides and other chemicals, which devastated rural wildlife populations.

The 1973 and 1979 energy crises further highlighted the global community's dependence on non-renewable energy resources, and the need for sustainable development became increasingly recognised. The concept of sustainability was promoted by organisations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which published its influential World Conservation Strategy in 1980.

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