My small town had several factories. One was a foundry that would leave black soot everywhere. Then, there was Good year, and along with a paper mill. The trains were the worst. If clothes were hung on the line, and we heard a train, we would grab the clothes because the trains left soot on them. I remember more than once having soot fall on me, and I was wearing nice clothes. Teed me off.
We put up with a lot back then because we were aware that those factories were important for jobs, so all the discomforts were forgiven. Instead, we gave thanks for the jobs they created.