Factory Farm Pollution

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The Earth had its first spike of pollution during the nineteenth century, when coal became popular for large-scale use. Today, most people would probably guess that automobiles or fossil fuels are the main causes of pollution. However, many are completely unaware of the polluting effects that factory farming has on the environment. The effects of factory farming are commonly ignored because the consumption of meat and dairy products has been practiced for ages. Factory farming is a major factor contributing to pollution and it affects animals, people, and the environment. Pollution happens when the Earths natural surroundings are presented with materials that are harmful or poisonous. “All living things depend on Earth’s supply of air and …show more content…

Ten billion animals are raised for dairy, meat and eggs every year. Cows, chickens, turkeys and pigs are the most common animals to live in these farms. The animals are injected or fed antibiotics and hormones to maximize their growth and prevent disease. Harmful proceeders are preformed on the animals during their short lives and while they are killed. “Since these animals live in such close quarters, some farm operators remove the beaks of chickens, turkeys and ducks to keep them from pecking one another to death, often by burning or cutting the beaks off” (Phillips). Many people have the misconception that animals are raised on farms and killed humanly when really they live in small cages that destroy their bodies and their mental …show more content…

The amount of manure proceeded from factory farms can release up to 400 different harmful gases into the atmosphere. Methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrous oxide, and ammonia are some the gases released. The concentration of gases in a single factory farm can be dangerous to the community it manufactures in. “Many of these gases are also potent greenhouse gases that contribute to environmental damage and climate change” (Good). People living in the areas affected by factory farms can experience respiratory illness, dizziness, nausea, and eye irritation because of the ammonia in the air. Hydrogen sulfide can cause seizures, comas, sore throats, and death in some cases. The low air quality around factory farms and the waste in lagoons can cause children in the area to be more likely to develop bronchitis or asthma. “Having to live with the smell and the harmful gases released by farm waste can ruin people’s health and their entire lives. But sadly, many communities located near factory farms fall below the poverty level, meaning people cannot afford to relocate – even if their family’s lives depend on it”

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