In a few sentences, describe the living conditions of early immigrants to the United States.

By the late 1800s, Americans had developed a greater understanding of health issues and were becoming increasingly aware of the dangers associated with the spread of contagious diseases. Sanitary conditions in rural areas, such as farming communities, were generally acceptable and households often quarantined those who were sick. Living conditions and working conditions in large industrial cities were typically dirty, overpopulated and unsanitary, forcing residents to battle life-threatening diseases.