Causes of Factory Farm Worker Injury & Illness
What are the most common causes of worker injuries on factory farms? Interactions with livestock are often cited as the most frequent causes of injury, especially for dairy workers and cattle ranchers. In a broad survey of central U.S. farms and ranches, 22% of injuries were from livestock.[1] In a Michigan study that reviewed hospital […]
Factory Farm Worker Injury & Illness
What does the BLS report as the annual number of recordable injuries and illnesses? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were a total of 8,700 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses for the following Animal Production workers in 2023. “Animal Production” is a term used in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for […]
Ammonia’s Contribution to PM2.5
How does ammonia contribute to PM2.5? Ammonia (NH3) is a precursor gas that reacts with aerosols (particles or droplets in the air or in gases) to form various chemical compounds, some of which take the form of PM2.5.[1] Most air-borne ammonia is short lived and will be deposited within 2 or 3 miles of its […]
Line Speed Impacts on Slaughter & Processing Workers
What is “line speed” in animal slaughtering and processing? Line speed is the term most often used for the maximum speed of the slaughter line on which animals are killed, bled out, and undergo internal organ removal. The speed is set by the USDA in the Code of Federal Regulations and is based on the […]
Ammonia Emissions from Animal Ag
What are the sources of escaped ammonia from animal ag? Escaped atmospheric ammonia (NH3) comes primarily from manure on factory farms (both livestock and poultry) and to a lesser degree from fertilizer application on crops that go to animal feed.[1,2] Factory farm locations correlate strongly with ammonia emission densities.[3] U.S. EPA (2024) 2020 NEI Supporting […]
Precarious Employment
What is “precarious employment”? Precarious employment is a construct that encompasses employment insecurity, unequal bargaining power, low wages and economic deprivation, limited social protection, and powerlessness to exercise workplace rights.[1] It is increasingly recognized as a threat to the health and well-being of workers, their families, and communities, and it is associated with increased risks […]
Agricultural PM2.5 Pollution
What is PM2.5? PM stands for particulate matter and the 2.5 means 2.5 microns or less in diameter (much less than the width of a human hair). Because PM2.5 gets deep into the airways and bloodstream, exposure can damage a person’s lungs and heart.[1] Particulate matter has been designated by the EPA as one of six […]
Air Pollution & Animal Ag Overview
How damaging is air pollution compared to other environmental threats? Air pollution, and specifically PM2.5 air pollution, is the number one environmental cause of human deaths in the U.S.[1] Globally, PM2.5 air pollution is the environmental factor responsible for most human deaths.[2] In fact, of all causes of premature death, it is considered the largest […]
Poultry Processing Worker Injury & Illness
Are jobs in poultry slaughter and processing particularly dangerous? According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), “Meat and poultry slaughter and processing is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States.”[1] The U.S. Dept of Labor also acknowledges that “there are many serious safety and health hazards in the poultry processing industry.”[2] […]
Livestock Slaughter and Processing Worker Injury & Illness
Are jobs in livestock slaughter and processing particularly dangerous? According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, “Meat and poultry slaughter and processing is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States.”[1] The U.S. Dept of Labor also acknowledges that “there are many serious safety and health hazards in the meat packing industry.”[2] […]