What role did the Industrial Revolution play in air pollution?

The Industrial Revolution significantly transformed manufacturing and energy production, leading to a dramatic increase in coal burning, especially in factories. As industries grew, the demand for energy surged, and coal became the primary fuel source. The combustion of coal releases a variety of pollutants, including smoke, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and other harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.

This increase in emissions from factories contributed to severe air pollution in many urban centers, with smog and respiratory diseases becoming prevalent during this period. The industrial processes also not only polluted the air but often contaminated surrounding environments with waste products. Therefore, the Industrial Revolution is directly linked to a marked rise in air pollution due to the reliance on coal-burning technologies without appropriate environmental controls.