Although there are many types of pollution and sources, industry has contributed its share over the last couple hundred years. Industrial pollution can include air pollution like carbon dioxide, monoxide and ozone; water pollution in the form of petroleum spillage, radiation and heat; and other pollutants like heavy metals. These pollutants make their way into delicate ecosystems and damage wildlife and plant life, as well as public health.
- Industrial pollution contributes to the total amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which could be significant or insignificant to the environment depending on the scientist. However, carbon dioxide can still be a danger to health. In addition to displacing oxygen, carbon dioxide can cause headaches, drowsiness and the inability to concentrate.
- Ozone or O3 can be a dangerous form of air pollution if it comes in contact with living things. It's formed by organic gases reacting with nitrogen oxides with sunlight as a catalyst. Ozone is a form of industrial pollution that results from petroleum processing and storage. Ozone can cause breathing difficulties and long term lung tissue damage. It can also damage rubber and some types of plastic. The prevention of excess organic and nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants and refineries is one way to limit ozone reactions.
- An oil spill is a type of industrial accident in which oil spills or leaks from a source into the environment. An oil tanker running aground and leaking oil into the ocean is an example. Bad weather, human error and terrorism are the usual causes, although some industries may dump oil illegally to cut costs. Oil spills have detrimental effects on wildlife and the oil may stay in the ecosystem for decades, even after cleanup.
- Heavy metals include lead, mercury, arsenic, zinc, copper and are a danger to the environment and public health. Although many heavy metals are the result of industry, automobiles have begun contributing to this type of pollution too through road runoff. In humans, lead, arsenic and mercury can be very dangerous, causing behavioral and internal problems. Unfortunately, when metals get into the environment, aquatic life tend to be more susceptible because of their close proximity to metals that may have settled along the waterbed.
- Sometimes, industry can cause water pollution that can damage many types of ecosystems. Aquatic fish and plant life, animals, and humans are all affected. Polluted water can also reach lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater, making the affected area very large. Petroleum, radiation and heat pollution are among the primary causes of industrial water pollution.
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