Health Impacts Studies and Reports
Increased Asthma Found Among Iowa Children Living on Hog Farms
We studied a cohort of rural Iowa children to determine the association between farm and other environmental risk factors with four asthma outcomes: doctor-diagnosed asthma, doctor-diagnosed asthma/medication for wheeze, current wheeze, and cough with exercise.
University of Iowa: Iowa Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Air Quality Study
In mid-June of 2001, Governor Tom Vilsack requested that the faculty of the two universities address the public health and environmental impacts of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs, also referred to as Concentrated Feeding Operations or CFOs). In response to this request, Richard Ross, PhD, DVM, Dean of the College of Agriculture at Iowa State University and James Merchant, MD, DrPH, Dean of the College of Public Health at The University of Iowa, were asked by the Department of Natural Resources Director Jeffrey Vonk to provide guidance “regarding the impacts of air quality surrounding CFOs on Iowans and recommended methods for reducing and/or minimizing emissions. Specifically, I am asking your advice and recommendations on how the Department of Natural Resources should address this critically important public policy issue.”
These results show that colonization of swine by MRSA was very common on one swine production system in the midwestern U.S., suggesting that agricultural animals could become an important reservoir for this bacterium. MRSA strain ST398 was the only strain documented on this farm. Further studies are examining carriage rates on additional farms.
Proximity to swine manure application to crop fields and livestock operations each was associated with MRSA and skin and soft-tissue infection. These findings contribute to the growing concern about the potential public health impacts of high-density livestock production.
Johns Hopkins School for Public Health Meat Consumption Study
The high level of meat and saturated fat consumption in the USA and other high- income countries exceeds nutritional needs and contributes to high rates of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and some cancers. Affluent citizens in middle- and low-income countries are adopting similar high-meat diets and experiencing increased rates of these same chronic diseases. The industrial agricultural system, now the predominant form of agriculture in the USA and increasingly world-wide, has consequences for public health owing to its extensive use of fertilisers and pesticides, unsustainable use of resources and environmental pollution. In industrial animal production there are public health concerns surrounding feed formulations that include animal tissues, arsenic and antibiotics as well as occupational health risks and risks for nearby communities. It is of paramount importance for public health professionals to become aware of and involved in how our food is produced.
Health effects of airborne exposure, primarily to CAFO workers, children, and the elderly.
Toxic gases, vapors, and particles are emitted from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) into the general environment. These include ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, malodorous vapors, and particles contaminated with a wide range of microorganisms. Little is known about the health risks of exposure to these agents for people living in the surrounding areas. Malodor is one of the predominant concerns, and there is evidence that psychophysiologic changes may occur as a result of exposure to malodorous compounds. There is a paucity of data regarding community adverse health effects related to low-level gas and particulate emissions. Most information comes from studies among workers in CAFO installations. Research over the last decades has shown that microbial exposures, especially endotoxin exposure, are related to deleterious respiratory health effects, of which cross-shift lung function decline and accelerated decline over time are the most pronounced effects. Studies in naïve subjects and workers have shown respiratory inflammatory responses related to the microbial load. This working group, which was part of the Conference on Environmental Health Impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations: Anticipating Hazards—Searching for Solutions, concluded that there is a great need to evaluate health effects from exposures to the toxic gases, vapors, and particles emitted into the general environment by CAFOs. Research should focus not only on nuisance and odors but also on potential health effects from microbial exposures, concentrating on susceptible subgroups, especially asthmatic children and the elderly, since these exposures have been shown to be related to respiratory health effects among workers in CAFOs.
Air Pollution and Odor in Communities Near Industrial Swine Operations
This study indicates that malodor from swine operations is commonly present in these communities and that the odors reported by neighbors are related to objective environmental measurements and interruption of activities of daily life.
To describe updated national estimates and characteristics of health care– and community-associated invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in 2011. An estimated 30 800 fewer invasive MRSA infections occurred in the United States in 2011 compared with 2005; in 2011 fewer infections occurred among patients during hospitalization than among persons in the community without recent health care exposures. Effective strategies for preventing infections outside acute care settings will have the greatest impact on further reducing invasive MRSA infections nationally.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2013
Antimicrobial resistance is one of our most serious health threats. Infections from resistant bacteria are now too common, and some pathogens have even become resistant to multiple types or classes of antibiotics (antimicrobials used to treat bacterial infections). The loss of effective antibiotics will undermine our ability to fight infectious diseases and manage the infectious complications common in vulnerable patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, dialysis for renal failure, and surgery, especially organ transplantation, for which the ability to treat secondary infections is crucial. When first-line and then second-line antibiotic treatment options are limited by resistance or are unavailable, healthcare providers are forced to use antibiotics that may be more toxic to the patient and frequently more expensive and less effective. Even when alternative treatments exist, research has shown that patients with resistant infections are often much more likely to die, and survivors have significantly longer hospital stays, delayed recuperation, and long-term disability. Efforts to prevent such threats build on the foundation of proven public health strategies: immunization, infection control, protecting the food supply, antibiotic stewardship, and reducing person-to-person spread through screening, treatment and education.
This study was conducted in 2002-2004 among adults living in four rural German towns with a high density of confined animal feeding operations. A questionnaire was filled out by 6937 residents. Researchers collected on odor annoyance and on the number of confinements hear the home. Physiological measurements of allergic sensitization and lung function also were measured in a random sample. Self-reported odor annoyance was correlated with self-reported asthma symptoms and nasal allergies. Self-reported wheeze and decreased forced expiratory volume in 1 second was associated with the number of animal houses. The correlation between self-reported exposure and the results of clinical measurements was poor.
This study collected physical and mental health data on individuals living within a two mile radius of a large swine confinement facility. This information was compared with data from individuals living in a similar rural environment with minimal livestock production. Results showed that neighbors of the animal large-scale swine operation reported significantly higher rates of symptoms that have also been documented to occur in swine confinement workers. These symptoms are characteristic of inflammatory or toxic effects on the respiratory tract.
Intensive livestock operations, health, and quality of life among eastern North Carolina residents
This study was conducted due to reports of decreased health and quality of life by individuals living near industrial swine operations. Residents of three rural communities were surveyed ¾ one in the vicinity of two intensive cattle operations, one in the vicinity of a 6,000-head hog operation, and one agricultural area without livestock operations using liquid waste management systems. Results showed that there was an increased incidence of certain respiratory and gastrointestinal problems in the community near the hog confinement. The quality of life of these residents was also compromised.
Malodor as a Trigger of Stress and Negative Mood in Neighbors of Industrial Hog Operations Malodor is an important facet of environmental injustice, because industrial facilities that create malodor are disproportionately located near communities of low income people and people of color. Malodor has negative impacts on physical and mental health and social wellbeing. In this epidemiological study, participants who lived within 1.5 miles of at least one industrial hog facility rated malodor intensity, mood, and stress during a two week period, while researchers monitored air pollution levels. Results showed that particulate matter, hydrogen sulfide and malodor were related to negative mood and stress in these low income communities.
Health effects of aerial emissions from animal production and waste management systems
This white paper from The National Center for Manure and Animal Waste Management reviews the health concerns that arise from aerial emissions from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The sources of these emissions ¾ primarily hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), volatile organic compounds VOCs), and particulate matter (PM) ¾ are waste management systems and animal production. Particulates include feed dust, endotoxin, feathers, manure, dander, molds, grains, pollen, insect parts, and mineral ash.
Clostridium difficile Infection Associated with Pig Farms
This study demonstrates that Clostridium difficile infection is transmitted from pigs to humans who live and work on pig farms. A statistically significant incidence of intestinal C. difficile was found in individuals who had daily or weekly contact with pigs.
“The Public Health Impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations on Local Communities”
This paper reviews the epidemiological research on the impact of CAFOs on neighboring residents. This data suggests that residents of nearby communities are at risk of developing neurobehavioral symptoms and respiratory illnesses, including asthma.
Chinese Scientists Uncover Pig Link to Human Disease
CHINA – A new study suggests that pigs may be an important carrier of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a parasite that causes microsporidiosis in people. Researchers at the Northeast Agricultural University in Harbin have discovered a high prevalence and wide genetic diversity of Enterocytozoon bieneusi of the types that can be transmitted to Man in pigs in northeast China. They suggest that the co-occurrence of seven known genotypes in pigs and humans and four in pigs and wastewater indicate pigs may be a reservoir for human microsporidiosis and an important source of water contamination in China.
This study investigated the association between maternal exposure to CAFO air emissions and birth weight in a population in North Carolina.
Aspects of the Epidemiology of Yersinia Enterocolitica: A Review
This article discusses different aspects of the epidemiology of the human pathogen Yersinia enterocolitica in Danish pig herds. It reviews the incidence of this bacteria in 99 herds, the effects of different slaughtering techniques on surface contamination, and the incidence of incidence of contaminated meat products in retail butcher’s shops.
Review of community-based research: assessing partnership approaches to improve public health.
This review article offers a synthesis of the key principles of community-based public health research. It also explores the main challenges and other factors that impact the process of conducting research aimed at improving public health.
Symposium on Estrogens in the Environment, III
This paper from the Symposium on Estrogens in the Environment, III discusses the health and environmental impacts of hormonally active foreign chemicals being introduced into the environment. Some of these chemicals have estrogenic effects, which raises concerns for both human health and the health of wildlife. For example, exposure to the pesticide DDT resulted in low sperm counts and infertility in wildlife.
This epidemiological study sought new insight into modes of transmission and opportunities for prevention of enteric diseases, such as Salmonellosis, Shigellosis, and E. coli O157:H7 infections in the U.S. Results showed that the following factors may affect the risk of acquiring one of these enteric bacterial diseases: age, place of residence, educational attainment, poverty, race and ethnicity.
This epidemiological study sought new insight into modes of transmission and opportunities for prevention of enteric diseases, such as Salmonellosis, Shigellosis, and E. coli O157:H7 infections in the U.S. Results showed that the following factors may affect the risk of acquiring one of these enteric bacterial diseases: age, place of residence, educational attainment, poverty, race and ethnicity.
Researchers investigated the relationship between livestock density and 3001 cases of verocytotoxic Escherichia coli in the province of Ontario, Canada. A high incidence of VTEC cases was found in areas of mixed agriculture, and there was a significant association between cattle density and incidence of reported cases. This study suggests that the following risk factors may have previously been underestimated: contact with cattle, consumption of contaminated well water, and consumption of locally produced food products.
This Swedish epidemiological study investigated the relationship between the incidence of verocytotoxic Escherichia coli (EHEC) in humans and its prevalence in livestock. The study identified a concentration of cattle and a concentration of human infection in southwest Sweden. The data that was obtained suggests a statistically significant association between farm/cattle density and the incidence of EHEC in humans.
This epidemiological study investigated regional variation in the incidence of Escherichia coli O157 in Scotland. The following factors were found to be significant in the distribution of cases: human population density, cattle population density and the number of cattle per person.
In this study researchers systematically generated several livestock density indicators (LDI) in order to assess the influence of livestock farming on the incidence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection in humans. The two most significant associations identified in the analysis were 1) manure application (by a liquid or solid spreader) to the surface of agricultural land, and 2) the ratio of the number of beef cattle to human population.
Investigation of clusters of giardiasis using GIS and a spatial scan statistic.
This study sought to identify potential causes for giardiasis clusters in rural areas of Southern Ontario. A previous study in this area had identified a bivariate association between rates of Giardia infection and livestock density and/or manure application to agricultural land. However, this association was not significant in rural areas. The present study again assessed the same indicators specifically in rural areas, and again no association was found. The reasons for the clusters of Giardia cases in rural Southern Ontario remain unidentified.
This study utilized drinking water, socioeconomic, land-use, and Giardiasis surveillance data to investigate the factor determining the “geographic distribution of endemic giardiasis in southern Ontario. Researchers observed higher rates in rural areas and in areas using surface water. Areas using filtered water and those with higher income had lower rates. Intensity of manure application to farmland, chlorination of drinking water and cattle density were not significant determinants. Waterborne transmission is an important factor in giardiasis occurrence in southern Ontario.
The Environmental Protection Agency has been gathering the data necessary to set rational policy for regulating livestock facilities under the Clean Air Act. This study measured the effect of pollution on infant health utilizing geographic shifts in the industry. The authors found that a doubling of production leads to a 7.4% increase in infant mortality. This increase in mortality is the result of higher levels of respiratory disease, which suggests air pollution as the causative factor.
Association between environmental risk factors and campylobacter infections in Sweden
The most common cause of acute bacterial gastroenteritis in Sweden is Campylobacter species. This study utilized Geographical Information Systems (GIS) surveillance data to investigate associations between geographical patterns of disease incidence and possible environmental risk factors. Results showed a positive association between ruminant density and water-pipe length per person. This data suggests that water contamination may be a significant factor in human campylobacteriosis in Sweden.
This study compared differences between 48 individuals living near industrial hog farms and a control group with no exposure to hog farms. Nearby residence was associated with an increase in 12 out of 22 physical complaints, primarily related to respiratory, sinus and nausea symptoms. Increasing physical health symptoms also appears to increase psychological distress.
This study collected physical and mental health data on individuals living within a two mile radius of a large swine confinement facility. This information was compared with data from individuals living in a similar rural environment with minimal livestock production. Results showed that neighbors of the animal large-scale swine operation reported significantly higher rates of symptoms that have also been documented to occur in swine toxic effects on the respiratory tract.
Intensive livestock operations, health, and quality of life among eastern North Carolina residents
This study was conducted due to reports of decreased health and quality of life by individuals living near industrial swine operations. Residents of three rural communities were surveyed ¾ one in the vicinity of two intensive cattle operations, one in the vicinity of a 6,000-head hog operation, and one agricultural area without livestock operations using liquid waste management systems. Results showed that there was an increased incidence of certain respiratory and gastrointestinal problems in the community near the hog confinement. The quality of life of these residents was also compromised.
Inflammatory Peripheral Neuropathies Prevalent in Poultry and Swine Farmers
Farmers and farm workers exposed to poultry and swine have a significantly higher incidence of symptoms associated with inflammatory peripheral neuropathies.air They have a higher risk of being infected with Campylobacter jejuni, a common pathogen associated with exposure to poultry and swine, and a major risk factor for development of peripheral neuropathies, including Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Adverse Health Effects Of Hog Production – A Literature Review
This article prepared by the Environmental Defense Fund reviews the scientific literature on the adverse health effects of hog production. It focuses on the impacts of air pollution, the contamination of ground water and well water, and the increasing development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Health effects of aerial emissions from animal production and waste management systems
This white paper from The National Center for Manure and Animal Waste Management reviews the health concerns that arise from aerial emissions from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The sources of these emissions ¾ primarily hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), volatile organic compounds VOCs), and particulate matter (PM) ¾ are waste management systems and animal production. Particulates include feed dust, endotoxin, feathers, manure, dander, molds, grains, pollen, insect parts, and mineral ash.
Ascaris Infection in Washington State
In this letter to the editor of Western Journal of Medicine, four public health experts report on 328 cases of Ascaris infection identified by the Washington State Public Health Laboratory between January 1981 and June 1982. The authors point out that Ascaris commonly occurs in pigs, and advise individuals who have pigs or use pig manure to take precautions to avoid infection.
ACTION ALERT! Urge Agriculture Committee Chair Mike Sexton to Schedule HF 164, the Factory Farm Moratorium Bill, for a Subcommittee Hearing!February 27, 2023 - 12:03 pm
STOP FACTORY FARMS LOBBY DAY 2023!January 18, 2023 - 11:15 am
Watch or Schedule a Screening of Right to HarmAugust 27, 2019 - 12:08 pm
“Right to Harm” Premiers in Iowa May 29May 10, 2019 - 7:22 pm
Action Alert – Tell Rep. Dean Fisher to Assign the Factory Farm Moratorium Bill to a Subcommittee!February 27, 2019 - 2:27 pm