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] […]
Nitrogen & Air Pollution
What is the central element in animal ag air pollution? The pivotal chemical element in animal ag air pollution is nitrogen (N). Nitrogen emissions are at the center of many of the most damaging environmental impacts of animal ag and the most critical issues of global health.[1] Excess nitrogen leads to nutrient pollution, commonly associated […]
Air Quality Takeaways
Air Quality Takeaways Takeaways are key points detailed and referenced in the Air Quality section Animal Ag and Air Quality U.S. industrial animal agriculture generates significant air pollution that causes serious environmental damages and over 10,000 deaths annually. The impacts of animal ag air pollution remain largely invisible to American society. Animal ag air pollution […]
Worker Health & Safety Takeaways
Worker Health & Safety Takeaways Takeaways are key points detailed and referenced in the Health and Safety section Livestock and Poultry Slaughter & Processing Jobs Jobs in slaughter and processing are unusually hazardous, involving large animals, dangerous machinery, slippery floors, sharp knives, and exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and high noise levels. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) […]
Manure Biogas Contradictions
KEY POINTS – Manure Biogas Contradictions 1. In attempting to mitigate GHG emissions from factory farms, manure biogas production supports, entrenches, and expands the industrial system that creates the emissions. 2. Large factory farms with thousands of animals typically adopt the cheapest manure management systems which create the most methane. 3. Subsidies for biodigesters tend […]
Manure Biogas Fundamentals
KEY POINTS – Manure Biogas Fundamentals 1. As of 2024 there were ~400 manure biogas digesters on commercial livestock operations in the country. 2. About 84% of digesters are on dairy farms, with ~140 dairy digesters in California. 3. About 21% of completed digesters have been shut down. 4. Manure digesters reduce some portion of the methane in manure […]