Do Factory Farms Cause Climate Change?

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Recommended: Consequences of factory farms

The manure from factory farms reduces the air quality surrounding them. Some of the pollutants that are emitted from factory farms are ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methane and particulate matter. When manure is applied to the land these pollutants are exposed to the air and can be very harmful to people (Hribar 2010). The odors that are emitted into the air can seep into shingles, siding, fabrics, clothing, and the tissue of humans. The odors do not come out until the person and items are washed (Richards and Richards 2012). Factory farms cause more air pollution than a pasture farm or many other types of farms because the confinement causes more ammonia to get into the atmosphere (Gurian-Sherman 2008). Those most at risk from air pollution …show more content…

Manure from lagoons emit methane and nitrous oxide which are worse than carbon dioxide (considered the primary greenhouse gas). Ruminant livestock, meaning an animal has a four-compartment stomach, are cause of methane production due to their digestive process. Some examples of a ruminant animal are sheep, goats, and cattle. It is a process called enteric fermentation which produces the methane that gets into the air (Hribar 2010). Although factory farms are believed to be a cause of climate change and greenhouse gases, researchers do not know if the size of the farm affects global warming and if eliminating factory farms would fix this problem (Gurian-Sherman 2008). Even though eliminating factory farms may not change global warming, it can eliminate most of the other negative effects factory farms have on the world and human …show more content…

Not only those who eat the meat are at risk, but those who work at a factory farm or live near one. Studies have found that those living near factory farms are at risk for developing respiratory illnesses, asthma, neurobehavioral symptoms, and psychological impairments due to the contaminates that are exposed. Chemicals from factory farms can cause irritation to the throat, eyes, and nose. They can also cause nausea, vomiting and headaches (Greger and Koneswaran 2010). Lastly, factory farms can cause weakness and chest tightness (Hribar 2010). These effects of factory farming could be prevented if less chemicals were used and the air pollution was under control. Factory farms are harming human health and it is making it hard for humans to be

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