Hogging the Air: CAFO Emissions Reach into Schools.

ANIMAL feeding; ANIMAL culture; ANIMAL industry; ENVIRONMENTAL health; ENVIRONMENTAL protection; SCHOOL children; ENVIRONMENTAL policy; GOVERNMENT policy; AGRICULTURE

The article discusses a study indicating that confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) can pollute the surrounding air with malodorous compounds, bacteria, fungi, and endotoxin. Children appear to be at greater risk than adults because of their size and developmental stage. The study further revealed that some students may encounter CAFO-associated exposures at school and also found that students of color and of low socioeconomic status were the most likely to be affected. It was found that residents living near CAFOs show a higher prevalence of headaches and respiratory symptoms.