Us Agricultural Air Pollution: A Growing Crisis

Agriculture is a significant contributor to air pollution in the United States. A study found that emissions from US farms outweigh all other human sources of fine-particulate air pollution. These emissions are primarily fumes from nitrogen-rich fertilizers and animal waste, which combine with industrial emissions to form solid particles that are hazardous to human health. The impact of agricultural air pollution is felt by people working on farms, those in surrounding communities, and the farm animals themselves. It also affects crop yields, with ground-level ozone pollution predicted to reduce staple crop yields by 26% by 2030. To improve air quality, sustainable and organic practices are recommended, such as keeping animals on pasture where manure can break down aerobically, reducing emissions.

US agricultural air pollution causes 17,900 deaths per year

Agriculture is a major source of air pollution, causing an estimated 17,900 deaths in the US annually. This is mainly due to fumes from nitrogen-rich fertilizers and animal waste, which combine with industrial emissions to form solid particles that are harmful to human health.

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that air pollution from Duplin County farms is linked to around 98 premature deaths per year, with 89 of these linked to emissions caused by hogs. These findings are specific to a geographic area, as outlined in the Clean Air Act's State Implementation Plans, which require EPA approval.

The study also found that gases associated with manure and animal feed produce small, lung-irritating particles that can drift for hundreds of miles. These emissions now cause more annual deaths than pollution from coal power plants. While there are restrictions on pollution from power plants, factories, and vehicles, there is less regulation of air quality around farms.

The health effects of air pollution depend on atmospheric chemistry, local weather, and the size and health of communities living nearby. Agriculture is a challenging industry to monitor due to its economic importance and thin margins. However, it is crucial to work with these systems to protect vulnerable communities.

To reduce air pollution from agriculture, better waste management and more efficient fertilizer application are recommended. A shift towards a ""flexitarian" diet, with reduced animal protein consumption, could also significantly decrease air-pollution mortality from agriculture.

Livestock and their manure contribute to air pollution

Additionally, livestock feed is often grown using pesticides and fertilizers, both of which are made with fossil fuels. The production and use of these chemicals contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the National Institutes of Health, meat diets produce 59% more greenhouse gases than vegetarian diets, with beef being particularly detrimental, contributing 34 times more damaging climate impact than legumes.

The concentration of manure in industrial farming operations further exacerbates air pollution. When manure breaks down anaerobically in large quantities, it releases methane and nitrous oxide, powerful greenhouse gases. Sustainable and organic practices that keep animals on pasture allow manure to break down aerobically, reducing emissions.

The environmental impact of livestock and manure pollution extends beyond air quality. Clearing land for livestock grazing releases stored carbon and destroys diverse ecosystems. The water-intensive nature of meat production, especially beef, further strains resources. Shifting towards more sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroforestry and integrated pest management, can help mitigate these issues and improve air quality.

Overall, addressing the air pollution caused by livestock and their manure is crucial for improving public health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and preserving ecosystems.

Fertilizer use and production have a negative impact

Nitrogen-based fertilizers are a major contributor to air pollution in the US. The production of artificial fertilizers has skyrocketed from about 20 million tons in 1950 to nearly 190 million tons today, with about a third of them being nitrogen-based. When these fertilizers are applied to fields, fumes are released into the air. This agricultural air pollution, primarily composed of ammonia, combines with pollutants from combustion, such as nitrogen oxides and sulfates from vehicles, power plants, and industrial processes, to create tiny solid particles or aerosols. These aerosols are hazardous to human health, contributing to heart and lung diseases and accounting for thousands of deaths each year.

The over-application of fertilizers on crops, such as corn, further exacerbates the problem. Ammonia, a highly reactive molecule, is produced from excessive fertilizer use and has a significant impact on mortality. It is challenging to detect unless released in large quantities, posing a threat to both human health and the environment.

Livestock manure is another significant source of air pollution. Manure emits ammonia, which combines with other air pollutants to form hazardous particles. According to the EPA, manure management alone accounts for 12% of all agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. The storage of animal waste in massive "lagoons" near livestock facilities further contributes to the release of ammonia into the atmosphere.

The use of pesticides in agriculture also contributes to air pollution. Pesticide "drift" can be inhaled by farmworkers and their families, posing health risks. Additionally, pesticides harm pollinator populations, such as bees and butterflies, leading to their decline.

While sustainable agricultural practices offer an alternative to industrial farming, the lack of air quality regulations in the farming industry exacerbates the problem. Adopting sustainable and organic practices can help reduce emissions and improve air quality. For example, raising animals on pasture allows manure to break down aerobically, reducing emissions. Implementing integrated pest management and regenerative agricultural practices can also reduce pesticide use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Pesticides and herbicides are dangerous for human health

The widespread use of antibiotics in meat production is also contributing to the public health crisis of antibiotic resistance. Rural residents are also at risk of exposure to contaminated water, air, and food. In 2012, the largest CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) produced 369 million tons of animal waste, almost 13 times more than the waste of the 312 million people living in the US. Untreated waste creates air pollution, causing odors, health issues, and a diminished quality of life for those living nearby.

Ammonia, a highly reactive molecule released by manure and fertilizer, can combine with other pollutants such as nitrogen and sulfur compounds to create hazardous particles. Inhalation of these particles can cause heart and lung diseases and are said to account for at least 3.3 million deaths each year globally, according to a 2016 study. In the US, these particles are responsible for 17,900 deaths as of 2021.

Meat production is the most resource-intensive form of agriculture. It requires more water and carbon than any other food. A shift to a "flexitarian" diet, with fewer animal proteins, would reduce air pollution mortality from agriculture by 68%.

Sustainable agricultural practices can improve air quality

Agriculture is a major source of air pollution, contributing to fine-particulate pollution through the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and manure management. These practices have led to agricultural air pollution, primarily in the form of ammonia, which combines with other pollutants to create harmful solid particles that negatively impact human health and the environment.

To address this issue, sustainable agricultural practices offer a promising solution. By adopting eco-friendly techniques, farmers can not only reduce air pollution but also enhance their yields and contribute to a healthier planet. For example, agroforestry, a traditional indigenous practice, involves growing crops and livestock within an existing forest or a group of plants that mimic a forest. This method increases biodiversity, improves soil fertility and moisture, and produces a variety of crops, helping to fight food insecurity. Additionally, sustainable practices such as planting cover crops, implementing integrated pest management, and properly managing soil health through crop rotation and regenerative agriculture can reduce the need for chemical inputs and mitigate climate change.

The European Commission's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) supports farmers who protect air quality as part of a sustainable agricultural system. Through eco-schemes, the EU incentivizes farmers to adopt practices that preserve natural resources and provide public goods. These practices include direct incorporation or injection of nitrogen fertilizers into the soil to avoid ammonia volatilization, sealing stables, and installing air washers to capture ammonia.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays an active role in improving air quality. The EPA collaborates with farmers to study air emissions and provides a reference guide for crop and land management practices that reduce air pollutant emissions. The Clean Air Act sets visibility standards and goals for national parks and wilderness areas, aiming to minimize human-caused impairment. State Implementation Plans also address ambient air emissions from farming practices, with specific regulations for each state.

By embracing sustainable agricultural practices and working with organizations like the EPA, farmers can play a crucial role in improving air quality, protecting public health, and ensuring food security for the future. These practices not only reduce air pollution but also contribute to a more resilient and environmentally friendly agricultural system.

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