ABSTRACT
Large-scale farm animal production facilities, also known as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), release a significant amount of contaminants into the air and water. Adverse health effects related to exposure to these contaminants among CAFO workers have been well-documented; however, less is known about their impact on the health of residents in nearby communities. Epidemiological research in this area suggests that neighboring residents are at increased risk of developing neurobehavioral symptoms and respiratory illnesses, including asthma. Additional research is needed to better understand community-scale exposures and health outcomes related to the management practices and emissions of CAFOs.
Subject(s)
Animal Husbandry/organization & administration , Environmental Exposure/adverse effects , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Public Health/standards , Adult , Animal Husbandry/standards , Animals , Animals, Domestic , Child , Disease Vectors , Humans , Nervous System Diseases/epidemiology , Public Health/economics , Public Health/statistics & numerical data , Respiratory Tract Diseases/epidemiology , Risk Factors , United States , United States Department of Agriculture , United States Environmental Protection Agency , Waste Management/standards , Water PollutantsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The farm animal sector is the single largest anthropogenic user of land, contributing to many environmental problems, including global warming and climate change. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to synthesize and expand upon existing data on the contribution of farm animal production to climate change. METHODS: We analyzed the scientific literature on farm animal production and documented greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as various mitigation strategies. DISCUSSIONS: An analysis of meat, egg, and milk production encompasses not only the direct rearing and slaughtering of animals, but also grain and fertilizer production for animal feed, waste storage and disposal, water use, and energy expenditures on farms and in transporting feed and finished animal products, among other key impacts of the production process as a whole. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate and far-reaching changes in current animal agriculture practices and consumption patterns are both critical and timely if GHGs from the farm animal sector are to be mitigated.
