Environmental Impact of Livestock Farming in the U.S.
The United States, the world’s second-largest livestock producer and largest beef producer, utilizes animal feeding operations (AFOs) for nearly all its livestock, with 70% of cattle and 98% of hogs raised within these facilities. These operations significantly contribute to airborne particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, which poses notable health risks to nearby communities, linking with conditions such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, and even increased mortality rates. Research confirms a 4% rise in overall mortality per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5.
The geographical concentration of cattle and hog AFOs is primarily within select counties across California, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Idaho, Iowa, and Texas for cattle, and Iowa, North Carolina, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Missouri for hogs. Studies show environmental justice concerns as these facilities are often situated in lower-income and minority communities, exacerbating health injustices. Cattle AFOs increase PM2.5 levels by 28% and hog farms by 11% in nearby areas.
Research utilizes a high-resolution dataset, mapping 15,726 cattle and hog farms, uncovering systemic pollution disparities linked to AFOs. This study emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory measures to mitigate public health burdens, particularly in vulnerable communities with high levels of uninsured residents. Extending Clean Air Act regulations to cover livestock operations could significantly alleviate these impacts, ensuring cleaner air and improved community health standards across the U.S.
