Final answer:
The main cause of pollution in Pittsburgh during the late 1800s was coal burning for industrial processes in the steel and coal industries, which resulted in severe air and water pollution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main cause of pollution in Pittsburgh in the late 1800s was largely due to its role as a key city in the Manufacturing Belt. The industrialization that characterized this era brought about many forms of pollution. Factories that were part of the burgeoning steel and coal industries burned large quantities of coal to generate steam power and electricity. This practice caused significant air pollution, resulting in soot and filth covering surfaces, deteriorating air quality, and leading to health issues among the population. In addition to the air pollution, mining waste was improperly managed, leading to toxic runoff and contributing to water pollution. Factory owners attempted to alleviate the problem by building taller smokestacks, which merely dispersed pollutants over a wider area.
The environmental impact of the coal and manufacturing industries was devastating for urban planning and public health as well. Unregulated waste disposal, poor sanitation, and lack of clean water contributed to rampant diseases. These problems were symptomatic of the broader environmental issues of the time, which went largely unaddressed by the government and business leaders, fixated on industrial growth.