Environmental Science: How to Prevent Factory Pollution

Through the years, there have been a wide variety of efforts focused on trying to prevent factory pollution from getting out of hand. More than 20 years ago, pollution from factories caused catastrophes, illnesses and wreaked havoc on the environment constantly. Today, there are many safeguards in place to prevent factory pollution from getting out of hand, but it's still a big problem for an ever-changing environment. Consider the ways that this pollution can be prevented or limited.

Reducing Air Pollution
Air pollution from industrial factories has become a serious problem in recent years and is thought to be a major contributing factor in climate change problems, air quality issues and other environment and health concerns. Manufacturing plants produce an immense amount of smog, gas and other airborne pollutants every day, which causes the air quality to decrease steadily each year, especially in major population centers.

Reducing air pollution from factories can be done in a number of ways. Using natural fuel sources rather than relying on burning oil or gasoline can greatly reduce the output of harmful smoke and smog from factories. Another option is for factories to purchase energy-efficient equipment and use machinery that doesn't rely on burning gases to run, although new machinery with higher fuel efficiency can be expensive. Another way to prevent factory pollution in the air is for companies to ensure any smokestacks and vents are properly fitted with filters and are cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure proper function. The Environmental Protection Agency requires most factories to install filters that help to reduce emissions, but there are better filters that can be used.

Reducing Land and Water Pollution
Pollution in the air isn't the only type of factory pollution people should be worried about. Industrial companies also create a massive amount of land and water pollution, which can also be limited or prevented if the right choices are made. When it comes to figuring out how to prevent factory pollution to the land and water, there is a long list of actions companies can take.

Pollution to the land and water comes in many forms and so much of what large factories and manufacturing plants do can be harmful to these environments, especially for long periods of time. One step factories need to take is ensure any toxins or waste are disposed of properly. Although the dumping of toxic chemicals and byproducts has been illegal for a long time, it still happens and can be incredibly harmful to the water or land where these chemicals are dumped. Disposing of general trash properly and recycling anything that can be reused is another terrific way to help prevent factory pollution. Additionally, factories can use energy-efficient machinery and lighting, have employees carpool or supply them with fuel-efficient vehicles, reduce the amount of paper used in the factories and organize events that give employees the opportunity to give back to the environment by planting trees or cleaning up waste in the community.

Pollution from industrial manufacturing is a major issue that affects everyone but isn't an impossible problem to solve. If companies take steps to prevent factory pollution, reducing seriously harmful levels pollution and helping to preserve the environment is possible.