Expert: Jim Newton - 5/31/2002

Question
1.how does industrial pollution affect wildlife and habbitats?
2.what habitats are most affected by industrial pollution?
3.what states have the largest ammounts of industrial pollution?
4.how does industrial pollution affect people?
5.what are things that can be done to prevent industrial pollution?

Answer
Industrial pollution is a very broad category.  Every time something is manufactured, it requires excess energy and materials to make.  Industrial pollution can be in the form of air pollution, water pollution or solid and hazardous wastes.

Air pollution affects everything we breathe.  And all forms of plants and animals breathe.  Air pollution can be smoke and smog, chemicals that interact with other chmicals in the air or that are breathed in.

Water pollution affercts the rivers, the lakes, ponds, the ocean and even the rainfall that comes down to us.  Some industries, particularly power plants, have been identified as contributors to acid rain.  We all need water to survive.

Hazardous wastes cause toxic chemicals to enter our water and soil and can be eaten by various animals when they graze.  They can filter to groundwater, which is a source of drinking water for many people.

All habitiats can be affected by industrial pollutnats.

The most liklely states to have industrial pollution are those that are highly industiralized.  These include NY, CA, MI and many states in the Northeast and Midwest.

EPA has taken steps over the last 30 years to control industrial pollution.  Many industries are now looking to reduce the pollution they create because it is a waste of valuabl;e resources for them and a cost that they need to reduce or eliminate to make more porfits.  We can buy environmentally-friendly products, buy from companies that promote environmental stewardship, and support the environmental and conservation organizations in you rarea.