Formaldehyde. It’s not a chemical one expects to connect
with dairy farming, but it’s sadly the case.
Formaldehyde is used in “footbaths” for dairy cows
to prevent hoof diseases (although “footbath” is perhaps too
generous; it’s really more of a chemical soup cows are forced to walk through
multiple times a day).
Hoof diseases, such as “strawberry foot” or
“hoof rot,” which cause extremely painful lesions and infections of
the foot, are increasingly common in the dairy industry as more and more cows
are confined indoors on concrete thick with feces. In fact, nearly 75 percent
of Canada’s dairy cows live in “tie-stalls,” where they are literally
chained to their stalls for much of their lives.
Although formaldehyde can be used as a disinfectant, it is
also a known carcinogen.
A study
was conducted to measure formaldehyde levels at various locations in dairy farms
that use the toxic chemical. The purpose of the study was to determine the
level of risk posed to humans (not the beings who actually have to soak their
feet in the carcinogen, sometimes with open sores or wounds).
The study summarized the health risks posed by formaldehyde:
“Formaldehyde exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat,
as well as headaches, fatigue and dizziness. … [It] can lead to changes in
pulmonary function. … Skin exposure to formaldehyde … can cause irritation
and allergic contact dermatitis. Repeated skin exposure to formaldehyde can
lead to sensitization, resulting in allergic reactions at concentrations much
lower than the original exposure level.”
If the thought of forcing animals as sensitive as dairy cows
to soak in toxic chemicals is enough to turn you off of milk, you’re not alone.
You can join an increasing number of Canadians in moving toward a plant-based
diet. To learn more, go to ChooseVeg.ca.