Airborne Cow Allergen and Ammonia Near Dairy Farms
Author Information
Author(s): Williams D'Ann L, Breysse Patrick N, McCormack Meredith C, Diette Gregory B, McKenzie Shawn, Geyh Alison S
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Hypothesis
How do airborne contaminants from dairy operations affect nearby communities?
Conclusion
Dairy operations increase community exposures to harmful airborne contaminants.
Supporting Evidence
- Airborne contaminants were significantly higher in homes within 0.4 km of dairy facilities.
- Median indoor airborne cow allergen concentrations were 10 times higher in proximal homes.
- Ammonia levels were also significantly elevated in homes close to dairy operations.
Takeaway
Living close to dairy farms means you breathe in more bad stuff like cow allergens and ammonia.
Methodology
The study assessed airborne contaminants in 40 homes near dairy operations, comparing those within 0.4 km to those over 4.8 km away.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from excluding homes with dairy workers or those with resident cows.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to assess trends over time or seasonal variations.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adults living in homes for at least six months, with a mix of proximal and distal homes to dairy operations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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