Steve Wing|Sebastian Wolf
Intensive livestock operations, health, and quality of life among eastern North Carolina residents.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill|University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
people live near industrial swine operations reported decreased health quality life investigate issues surveyed residents three rural communities one vicinity approximately 6000head hog operation one vicinity two intensive cattle operations third rural agricultural area without livestock operations use liquid waste management systems trained interviewers obtained information health symptoms reduced quality life previous 6 months completed 155 interviews refusal rate 14 community differences mean number episodes compared adjustment age sex smoking employment status average number episodes many symptoms similar three communities however certain respiratory gastrointestinal problems mucous membrane irritation elevated among residents vicinity hog operation residents vicinity hog operation reported increased occurrences headaches runny nose sore throat excessive coughing diarrhea burning eyes compared residents community intensive livestock operations quality life indicated number times residents could open windows go outside even nice weather similar control community vicinity cattle operation greatly reduced among residents near hog operation respiratory mucous membrane effects consistent results studies occupational exposures among swine confinementhouse workers previous findings neighbors intensive swine operations longterm physical mental health impacts could investigated study