What were the major public health issues during the Industrial Revolution?

During the Industrial Revolution, rapid urbanization led to an influx of people into cities searching for work, which resulted in overcrowded living conditions. This surge in population created significant public health challenges, particularly related to sanitation. Many urban areas lacked adequate sewage systems, clean water supplies, and waste disposal methods. Consequently, the combination of overcrowding and poor sanitation contributed to widespread outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and tuberculosis, which were exacerbated by the unsanitary conditions in which many people lived.

High unemployment and low wages, while significant social issues during this time, are not directly categorized as public health issues. Similarly, while there was a rise in literacy rates and education, this occurred alongside industrial growth and was not a direct public health concern. Increased agricultural production is also not tied to public health issues created in industrial settings, as it pertained more to changes in farming practices rather than urban health conditions. Thus, the focus on overcrowded cities and poor sanitation encapsulates the core public health challenges of the era.