A recent research project published on Phys.org
revealed that dust particles at factory farms are at dangerous levels. The
study sampled air for three consecutive days on chicken, cow, and pig farms.
revealed that dust particles at factory farms are at dangerous levels. The
study sampled air for three consecutive days on chicken, cow, and pig farms.
Richard Gates, a member of the research project team and professor
at the University of Illinois, placed the farms along a continuum, with dairy
farms being the least dusty and egg farms being the most. He found that pig
farms, although not considered very dusty, are actually the most dangerous
because of the small size of particulate matter.
at the University of Illinois, placed the farms along a continuum, with dairy
farms being the least dusty and egg farms being the most. He found that pig
farms, although not considered very dusty, are actually the most dangerous
because of the small size of particulate matter.
The size and number of dust particles are both important
factors. The smaller the particles, the more likely they can get trapped in the
smallest branches of the lungs, causing numerous respiratory illnesses, from
allergies to pneumonia.
factors. The smaller the particles, the more likely they can get trapped in the
smallest branches of the lungs, causing numerous respiratory illnesses, from
allergies to pneumonia.
A high percentage of farm workers develop serious
respiratory issues over time. As a means of protection, workers are often
required to wear masks. But the animals get no such protection and are forced
to breathe in not only dust but toxic fumes like ammonia from excrement.
respiratory issues over time. As a means of protection, workers are often
required to wear masks. But the animals get no such protection and are forced
to breathe in not only dust but toxic fumes like ammonia from excrement.
At factory farms, tens of thousands of animals are kept in
filthy conditions and confined to cages so small the animals can’t even turn
around. Unfortunately, this creates the perfect breeding ground for disease,
which is one reason so many animals get sick and die.
filthy conditions and confined to cages so small the animals can’t even turn
around. Unfortunately, this creates the perfect breeding ground for disease,
which is one reason so many animals get sick and die.
Dust isn’t the only form of air pollution coming from
factory farms. A recent study from the Netherlands found that ammonia
from factory farms causes lung damage in local residents.
factory farms. A recent study from the Netherlands found that ammonia
from factory farms causes lung damage in local residents.
But the negative health effects are only part of the
problem. Animals at factory farms are treated as mere objects, and their short
lives are filled with misery and pain. Cows, pigs, and chickens are subjected
to extreme confinement; barbaric mutilations; and grisly, violent deaths.
problem. Animals at factory farms are treated as mere objects, and their short
lives are filled with misery and pain. Cows, pigs, and chickens are subjected
to extreme confinement; barbaric mutilations; and grisly, violent deaths.
See for yourself:
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