The process of transforming raw materials that are gathered from primary level into finished goods can be a very tasking human activity which anyone will agree to be capable of having some very negative effects. This is often because of its industrial stress of transformation which at the end of the day produces fume and substances that harm the society. Here are then the harmful effects of manufacturing industries.
The manufacturing industries are industries transforming goods sometimes from raw material to a newer and more useful version of them. Manufacturing is the creation or production of goods with the help of equipment, labor, machines, tools, and chemical or biological processing or formulation. It is the essence of secondary sector of the economy. They are also concerned with repairing and installing industrial equipment and subcontracting operations for third parties.
Modern production or manufacturing includes all intermediate processes involved in the production and integration of a product’s components. Some industries, such as semiconductor and steel manufacturers, use the term fabrication instead. The manufacturing sector is closely connected with the engineering and industrial design industries.
Harmful Effects of Manufacturing Industries
In this article, you will be taken through the opportunities of knowing the harmful effects of manufacturing industries. Even as they have their benefits and important sides to the growth and advancement of good life of our immediate societies, they are also their inimical sides which humans must be careful about.
Air Pollution
This is no doubt one of the harmful effects of manufacturing industries. Industrial factories have played a big part in the amount of air pollution that we as people have to endure. The toxic gases that factories release into the air, combined with those added by automobiles on the road, mean that we have an increased risk of developing chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease and many other illnesses, diseases and conditions. Air pollution also has an effect on our wildlife and again could lead to species of plants and animals one day being made extinct.
Global Warming
As we touched on earlier, a huge portion of climate change or global warming can be attributed to our reliance on industrial activities over the years. Toxic materials and gases are burned and released into the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane. Because these gases are able to absorb radiation from the sun, they have a direct impact on the temperature of the planet. Furthermore, our very existence as human beings could be under threat too, not to mention the increased risk of us catching diseases such as cholera, malaria and Lyme Disease. Global Warming can lead to:
- Rising sea levels.
- Rise in the earth’s temperature.
- Risk of species of animals becoming extinct.
- An increase in tsunamis, typhoons, hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters.
- Melting of the ice caps
Water Pollution
Factories are also a major contributing factor to water pollution across the globe. The illegal dumping of contaminated water, gases, chemicals, heavy metals or radioactive materials into major waterways causes damage to marine life and the environment as a whole.
Not all factories will be responsible for this, but those found in less regulated parts of the planet will dump their toxic wastes into oceans or rivers to be rid of it a lot cheaper.
Wildlife Destruction
Factories can also be directly blamed for destroying certain areas of nature on our beautiful planet. Our hunger for natural resources such as wood, coal and oil means that we are endangering many species as we go searching for it. Forests are torn down for wood which takes away the natural habitat or animals and other wildlife while mining also forces animals to look for somewhere else to live in the hope of survival. Oil spills, accidental leaks and the dumping of waste materials have also contributed to damage being done to wildlife. Due to all the reasons above, many species have come close to extinction and many more are likely to face a similar fate if we do not reduce the amount of damage we are doing to this planet in the future.
Soil Pollution
Even the earth’s soil can become polluted, mainly due to industrial wastes being thrown into landfills. These chemicals and toxic materials can destroy the fertility of the soil, decrease the productivity of crops and even lead to the contamination of foods that we may eventually consume.
Human Vulnerability to Diseases
As humans that are exposed to air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution among others, we also face an increased risk of falling victim to illness and disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 5% of those diagnosed with lung cancer will be due to extended exposure to pollution.
A small percentage of chest infections, lung diseases and heart diseases can also be attributed to pollution according to the WHO. This has led to an increase in legal claims against workplaces due to workers being overly exposed to diesel pollution and other pollution while working. Royal Mail is just one such company that has faced these legal claims in recent years and many feel that it could open the doors for many more to face similar claims in years to come.
