Industrial Pollution
Environmental Risk Factor
Industrial pollution encompasses the release of harmful chemicals, particulate matter, and waste products from manufacturing, energy production, mining, and processing facilities. While regulations under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act have dramatically reduced industrial pollution since the 1970s, many communities still experience elevated pollution levels from active facilities and legacy contamination. Environmental justice research has consistently shown that industrial pollution disproportionately burdens communities of color and low-income populations. Cumulative exposure to multiple industrial sources creates compounding health risks that exceed the impact of any single facility.
How It's Measured
Industrial pollution is tracked through the EPA Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), which requires facilities to report annual releases of over 650 toxic chemicals to air, water, and land. We also use EPA air emissions data, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) water permits, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste data. Our assessment considers the number of reporting facilities, total volume of releases, and types of chemicals released within proximity to residential areas.
Health Effects
- ⚠️Respiratory diseases from airborne industrial pollutants
- ⚠️Cancer from long-term exposure to carcinogenic chemicals
- ⚠️Endocrine disruption from certain industrial chemicals
- ⚠️Neurological damage from heavy metals and solvents
- ⚠️Reproductive health effects including reduced fertility
- ⚠️Childhood developmental impacts in highly polluted communities
Data Sources
- 📊EPA Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)
- 📊EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO)
- 📊EPA EJSCREEN environmental justice screening tool
- 📊State-level industrial permit and monitoring databases
How to Protect Yourself
- ✓Use EPA EJSCREEN to identify industrial facilities near your home
- ✓Review TRI Explorer for chemical releases in your community
- ✓Attend public comment periods for industrial permit renewals
- ✓Support local environmental justice organizations
- ✓Get your soil and water tested if you live near industrial operations
- ✓Advocate for buffer zones between industrial facilities and residential areas