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The introduction of non-native species can lead to environmental imbalances, outcompeting or predating native species, transforming ecosystems, and reducing biodiversity, as seen with the zebra mussel in the Great Lakes.

Factories dumped toxic chemicals and waste into rivers, leading to contaminated water supplies and the death of aquatic life; incidents like the Cuyahoga River Fire in 1969 highlighted these issues.

The reaction of vehicular exhaust and sunlight produces ground-level ozone, contributing to the formation of smog which can lead to respiratory problems and reduce visibility in cities.

The accumulation of plastic debris in marine environments, stemming from overuse and poor disposal of plastic products, affects wildlife and ecosystems and enters the human food chain through microplastics.

Synthetic fibers from clothing, such as nylon and polyester, release microfibers into water systems during washing, contributing to microplastic pollution and affecting aquatic life and water quality.

The increased absorption of CO2 by the world's oceans is causing a decrease in pH levels, affecting marine life and ecosystems, with potentially severe consequences for the global food chain.

Massive logging activities have led to habitat destruction, changes in the carbon cycle, and contribute to climate change, with notable historical deforestation in Europe and North America.

Tetraethyl lead, used as an antiknock agent in gasoline, resulted in widespread lead pollution affecting human health until phased out by regulations such as the Clean Air Act.

Unregulated burning of coal and wood in factories and homes led to severe smog and health issues in urban centers, notably the London Fog events.

Burning of fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, which react with water vapor to form acid rain, damaging forests, aquatic environments, and buildings.

Improper disposal of electronic waste leads to the release of toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium into the environment, posing health risks and contaminating landfills.

Excessive and misdirected artificial light disrupts ecosystems by affecting nocturnal wildlife, wastes energy, and prevents the observation of stars, becoming prominent with the spread of electric lighting.

The use of DDT and other pesticides after World War II led to widespread environmental contamination, bioaccumulation, and the decimation of bird populations, famously highlighted by Rachel Carson in 'Silent Spring'.

Once widely used for insulation, asbestos fibers can cause lung diseases including cancer when inhaled. Bans and regulations have reduced its use, but it still impacts demolition and renovation workers.

Intensive farming practices, deforestation, and overgrazing have historically led to the degradation of topsoil, reducing agricultural productivity and leading to the creation of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s.

Atomic weapons tests, nuclear accidents like Chernobyl, and improper disposal of nuclear waste have resulted in long-term soil and water contamination and health effects due to radiation exposure.

Burning of fossil fuels and deforestation contribute to the increase in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases such as CO2, leading to global warming and climate change.

The disposal of waste from nuclear power plants and medical sources requires long-term management to prevent environmental contamination and human exposure to radioactive materials.

Excessive and unregulated fishing has led to the depletion of fish stocks, disrupted food chains, and endangered the livelihoods of fishing communities, as evidenced by the decline of the Atlantic cod fishery.