ILDG | Myth 6

Myth #6

Toxic chemicals are emitted from livestock facilities.

Opponents say “In some cases a single agricultural operation can emit more toxic chemicals then all other industrial sources combined such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.
In truth, hydrogen sulfide is released in agricultural operations just as it is in human households though waste. Hydrogen sulfide stays in the air for only 18 hours. Ammonia occurs naturally and is produced by human activity. It is an important source of nitrogen which is needed by plants and animals. No health effects have been found in humans exposed to typical environmental concentrations of ammonia
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts114.html

Did you know that bacteria found in your mouth and gastrointestinal tract produce hydrogen sulfide?

Myth #1
Livestock odors will cause asthma in my children (air quality)

Myth #2
Livestock operations will pollute my groundwater (water quality)

Myth #3
Antibiotic resistance is a result of modern livestock production.

Myth #4
Facilities don’t have established procedures or plans to avoid or handle spills, runoff, etc.

Myth #5
Use of manure in pivot irrigation spews the smell everywhere.

Myth #6
Toxic chemicals are emitted from livestock facilities.

Myth #7
My property value will decrease if a livestock operation locates next to or near my property.

Myth #8
Our local roads can’t handle the weight of the heavier trucks that livestock operations require.

Myth #9
Livestock operations dispose of dead animals in unsanitary ways.

Myth #10
Livestock operations raise animals in harmful and inhumane ways.