REDUCTION OF EXPOSURES FROM DAIRIES AND CATTLE FEEDLOTS
Principal Investigator: Steve Reynolds
Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
Dairy and livestock production are among the top 5 commodities in Federal Region VIII. One of the top proprieties of the High Plains Intermountain Center for Agriculture and Health Safety (HICAHS) is to decrease injury and illness among the livestock and dairy producers in this region. Colorado's dairy industry contributes over $23 billion to the state's agricultural economy annually. This productivity has been driven by advanced technological equipment and an industrialization of livestock production. This concentration of livestock has lead to a concern over occupational and public health impacts from air emissions. Manure slurry (mixture of feces and urine) covers the feedlots until it goes to manure storage piles and lagoons which hold the majority of contaminants. These environmental concerns coincide with the health/well-being of livestock, workers and nearby communities. Studies indicate that because workers spend a great deal of time indoors they are at an increased risk of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exposure to gases, particulates and bioaerosols can also cause a wide range of effects from an odor nuisance, headaches and chronic cough, to impaired consciousness and death. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of a novel algae intervention system to reduce emissions and odors from livestock manure lagoons. Improved methods for measuring odors and emissions including an "electronic nose" will also be evaluated. Community-based partnerships have been developed to implement this project and disseminate results.