Industrialization and its impact on human health – a critical appraisal

Abstract

Industrialization is the process of applying mechanical, chemical, and electrical sciences to reorganize production, with inanimate sources of energy, to develop industries[38]. It is understood that as there is an increase in industrialization, it brings about a subsequent increase in living standards, economic prosperity, healthcare services and population as a result[1][2]. However, with this increase, there is a significant impact on the environment, specifically, air and water conditions. Most waste-intensive industries directly discharge wastes, including pesticides, chemicals, oil and heavy-metals into the nearby water bodies, thereby polluting it[3]: More than 80 toxins have been found in industrial pollutants, which are released into the air[7]. Toxins released from these industries into the air lead to 4.2 Million deaths a year[8], and these pollutants also impact the condition of human health, by certain toxins acting as carcinogens, disease carriers, infection catalysts, etc.
 Other than these immediate effects, industrialization causes several long term impacts such as the acidity of oceans, due to high CO2 with predictions of extreme increases over the next century, leading to severe second order effects[9].
 
 This report discusses the impact of industrialization on human health by taking a balanced view on advantages and disadvantages, possible courses of action and a personal perspective. The report evaluates the different factors of the issue, considering highly industrialized countries such as USA, along with the national perspective of India to finally conclude with how regulated industrialization is beneficial and advantageous.