Air Some people who don't live near the swine cities say they can take it, but most wouldn't have it. It's much more than just odor. A citizen's test in Renville Co., Minnesota found that one-quarter of 32 tests taken near several manure lagoons exceeded Minnesota air quality standards for hydrogen sulfide. Clouds of manure mist come and go with the wind, but the odor itself sinks into human tissue, clothing and furnishings and is released slowly over time, according to Duke University's Susan Schiffman. People living downwind from hog factories suffer a variety of psychological and physiological problems, such as depression, frequent vomiting and respiratory complications.
Odors can be nearly as intense four miles downwind as they are at the site.
Residents in northern Missouri around PSF's facilities report odors have traveled 15 miles. Concentrations of gases inside confinement buildings endanger workers and animals and corrode equipment. The American Lung Association, with the University of Iowa, has found that nearly 70 percent of swine confinement workers experience one or more symptoms of respiratory illness or irritation and that 58 percent suffer chronic bronchitis. Unlike other industry, however, factory farms are not subject to OSHA regulations. Odors that invade homes, sicken families and chase away visitors also destroy property values.