Why were diseases such a threat in cities during the Industrial Revolution?

Answer 1

Because everyone lived in such close quarters and they didn't understand the nature of bacteria and viruses so their lifestyle wasn't very sanitary as well as the lack of vaccines and proper medicine.

Answer 2

During the industrial revolution:

- the populations in cities increased, attracted by the job opportunities in factories

- the general public lacked education in hygiene and sanitation, they were also often overworked, uneducated, and malnourished, (weak immune systems)

- there were not yet adequate disposal and sewage systems developed, caused water contamination (very significant*)

- there were animals, such as rats, that carried and spread diseases

- the majority of city housing was not up to health or safety standards, often overcrowded and dirty

- initial causes for a disease as well as vaccines, antibiotics, preventions, and cures were not well known and for the most part misunderstood

All together these factors contributed to the threat of disease in cities during the industrial revolution.

There are possibly additional reasons depending on the location.

Answer 3

Some of the hazards included dirt streets turned into mudholes and disease was very common.