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| LAND, WATER, AND AIR POLLUTION |
- According to the EPA, the annual production of manure produced by animal confinement facilities exceeds that produced by humans IFAP is spread on the ground untreated.
Manure in such large quantities carries excess nutrients and farm chemicals that find their way into waterways, lakes, groundwater, soils and airways. Excess and inappropriate
land application of untreated animal waste on cropland contributes to excessive nutrient loading and, ultimately, eutrophication of surface waters.
Eutrophication is an excess of nutrients in a body of water, mostly nitrates and phosphates from erosion and runoff of surrounding lands, that causes a dense growth of plant life
and the death of aquatic animal life due to lack of oxygen.
- "There is no such thing as a meat-eating environmentalist. The meat, dairy, and egg industries are poisoning and depleting our land, water, and air. Every time we eat animal
products, we contribute to ecological devastation and the wasteful misuse of resources on a global scale."
Motavalli.
- CAFOs have become an increasing source of concern because of their impact on the environment, human health, and quality of life of rural populations. A review of health
literature reveals potential adverse health effects associated with CAFOs that include groundwater contamination, air contamination, respiratory disease, and the creation and
spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Centers for Disease Control.