Respiratory Illness in Factory Farming

David Bell
Jul 21
12 min read

Updated: Jul 22

Factory farming exposes workers to dangerous air pollutants like dust, gases, and bioaerosols, leading to severe respiratory conditions. Swine farmers and other CAFO workers face heightened risks, with up to 50% reporting respiratory symptoms. Common illnesses include asthma, chronic bronchitis, and lung scarring, worsened by poor ventilation and high animal density. Migrant workers, often in the most hazardous roles, face additional challenges due to inadequate safety training, low wages, and limited healthcare access.

Key points:

25% of CAFO workers experience major respiratory illness; for swine farmers, the rate rises to 50%.
Air pollutants include ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, and endotoxins.
Migrant workers face barriers like language, poverty, and fear of retaliation.
Cultivated meat offers a safer alternative, produced without slaughter in controlled environments.

The solution lies in better protective gear, improved ventilation, and systemic reforms. Cultivated meat production also reduces these risks while addressing broader public health concerns.

Common Respiratory Illnesses Among Factory Farm Workers

Factory farm workers face a range of respiratory illnesses due to prolonged exposure to harmful airborne substances.

Most Common Respiratory Conditions

Exposure to airborne contaminants in factory farming environments often leads to a variety of respiratory issues. For instance, approximately 50% of swine farmers report respiratory symptoms, with chronic bronchitis affecting 32% of Danish swine farmers, compared to 28% among cattle workers[2].

Asthma and asthma-like syndromes are also prevalent. According to the European Community Respiratory Health Survey, farmers have the highest risk of occupational asthma, with an odds ratio of 2.6[2]. Another common condition is Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS), which can affect up to 34% of swine confinement workers after exposure to organic dust[2]. Similarly, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, often referred to as Farmer's Lung, results from inhaling mould spores and organic particles. Repeated exposure to these substances can lead to permanent lung scarring over time[1].

Studies conducted in regions like California and Indiana highlight elevated rates of asthma, chronic cough, and wheezing among workers compared to those not exposed to factory farm environments[5]. In fact, workers in these settings experience respiratory and systemic symptoms at much higher rates, with chronic cough occurring nearly four times more frequently than in unexposed populations[6].

These conditions not only increase the prevalence of respiratory illnesses but also significantly impact the daily lives of affected workers.

Symptoms and Daily Impact

Factory farm workers commonly experience symptoms such as persistent cough, chest tightness, and wheezing[2]. Additional symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, dry cough, muscle aches, headaches, chills, and fever - especially after exposure to mould spores[1].

A 2008 study involving 122 North Carolina workers found that 24% had experienced wheezing, though fewer reported recent episodes or sleep disturbances caused by coughing or shortness of breath[5]. In specific environments, such as silos, exposure to nitrogen dioxide poses further risks. Moderate exposure levels (around 20 parts per million) can lead to coughing, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, and chest pain. More severe exposure (100 parts per million or higher) may result in pulmonary oedema, chronic respiratory problems, or even death[1].

These findings underscore the urgent need for safer working conditions and better practices in food production to protect workers from such severe health risks.

Main Causes of Respiratory Illness in Factory Farming

Factory farming environments expose workers to harmful dust, gases, and bioaerosols, leading to serious respiratory health issues. Recognising these hazards helps us understand why these settings are so risky.

Dust, Gases, and Bioaerosols

Dr Sara May highlights how working in large animal confinement farms can lead to a variety of respiratory illnesses due to exposure to organic dust, gases, and bioaerosols:

"Large animal confinement farming exposures produces a wide spectrum of upper and lower respiratory tract diseases due to the complex diversity of organic dust, particulates, microbial cell wall components and gases and resultant activation of various innate immune receptor signaling pathways." [2]

Organic dust, a significant threat, is made up of particles of varying sizes, including microbial cell wall fragments, which can spark inflammation. Alarmingly, 40% of these particles are small enough (4 µm or less) to reach deep into the lungs [2].

Endotoxins, originating from gram-negative bacteria, are another harmful element. Levels between 1,000–2,000 ng/m³ can cause Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome, while concentrations as low as 100–200 ng/m³ may lead to bronchoconstriction [2]. Similarly, peptidoglycans from gram-positive bacteria add to the danger. For instance, swine confinement facilities have reported muramic acid concentrations of 15 ng/mg, compared to 5 ng/mg in dairy barns [2].

Gases also contribute to respiratory risks. Ammonia, which results from the breakdown of animal waste, is particularly concerning. Levels in egg-laying houses often range from 720 to 1,710 µg/m³ [9]. Other hazardous gases include hydrogen sulphide, methane, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide [7].

Bioaerosols - tiny particles containing microbes - are another issue. In poultry houses, bacterial and fungal concentrations can range from 3.6 × 10³ to about 1.6 × 10⁷ CFU/m³ [9].

The risks posed by these contaminants are often worsened by how factory farms are designed and operated.

Role of Workplace Design and Practices

The layout and management of factory farms significantly amplify exposure to harmful substances. Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) often serve as hotspots for pollutants, including animal waste, feed particles, pesticides, and other airborne contaminants [7].

Poor ventilation is a major problem, allowing harmful gases like ammonia to accumulate. Ammonia exposure should not exceed 35 parts per million over a 15-minute period, but inadequate airflow can lead to dangerous concentrations [8]. High animal density in confined spaces further increases the risks, particularly in finishing buildings housing mature hogs, where dust levels are especially high [2].

Improper waste management also exacerbates exposure. When manure is not removed regularly, ammonia levels rise, and workers face increased contact with urine and faecal allergens [1]. For example, dust levels above 2.4–2.5 mg/m³ in swine facilities and 0.16 mg/m³ in poultry operations have been linked to a 5% drop in post-shift lung function [2].

Research shows that full-time barn workers, veterinarians, and nearby residents often suffer symptoms like eye and nasal irritation, wheezing, coughing, asthma, and even exercise intolerance [7]. Additionally, barn workers may experience annual declines in lung function, suggesting long-term, potentially irreversible damage [7].

Respiratory hazards in these environments fall into several categories - smoke and fumes, sprays and mists, dusts, and gases and vapours - each presenting unique challenges that are worsened by current workplace designs and practices [8].

Risk Factors and Vulnerable Populations

Factory farm workers don't all face the same level of risk when it comes to respiratory illnesses. Certain job roles and worker groups are hit harder, often due to factors beyond their control. These risks are shaped not just by the tasks they perform but also by deeper systemic issues within the workforce.

High-Risk Job Roles

Some roles in factory farming expose workers to greater respiratory hazards because of the intensity and nature of their work environments.

Swine and livestock workers are among the most at risk. Research by Kirkhorn and Garry shows that 50% of swine farmers and workers are at risk of developing respiratory tract symptoms [2]. These workers are regularly exposed to high levels of organic dust, endotoxins, and gases in confined spaces. Symptoms like coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing are more frequently reported by confinement workers compared to the general population [2].

Dairy farmers face similar challenges, though typically at lower exposure levels than swine workers. Being in constant contact with animal allergens, feed particles, and gases from waste creates ongoing respiratory problems.

Meat processing workers also endure significant risks. Poor ventilation and prolonged exposure to airborne contaminants like dust, gases, and bioaerosols make these roles particularly hazardous. Studies show that one in four hog confinement workers suffers from chronic bronchitis [15].

For those who both work at and live near Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), the risks are even higher [3]. These workers experience continuous exposure, both on the job and at home, amplifying their vulnerability.

Challenges for Migrant and Temporary Workers

The challenges don’t stop at job-specific hazards. Migrant and temporary workers in factory farming often face conditions that worsen their respiratory risks. These workers typically take on the most dangerous tasks while having the least access to protections and healthcare.

Language barriers are a major hurdle to workplace safety. Over 50% of workers in the U.S. agricultural sector have limited English proficiency [12], and 77% of farmworkers are foreign-born, with 68% primarily speaking Spanish [12]. Around 38% of workers don’t speak any English, making it hard to report dangers or file complaints about unsafe conditions [14]. Without proper safety training, these workers are even more exposed to harmful airborne particles.

Economic struggles further increase their vulnerability. 85% of migrant workers earn below the federal poverty level, leaving them unable to afford necessary medical care [12]. Full-time factory farm workers earn an average of just £14,000 per year (about $18,000), despite long hours and high risks [14].

Poor housing conditions add to the problem. Around 40% of migrant farmworkers in the U.S. live in homes without air conditioning [12], often with inadequate ventilation. This lack of proper housing increases health risks even outside of work.

Fear of retaliation silences many workers. As Lourdes Cardenas, a 62-year-old Mexican worker in Fresno, California, explained:

"We have to stay hidden. You are unsure if you will encounter the immigration authorities. We can't be free anywhere, not in schools, not in churches, not in supermarkets." [13]

This fear prevents workers from reporting unsafe conditions or seeking help, as they worry about losing their jobs or being deported [12]. Limited access to healthcare and frequent relocations make it even harder for them to get preventive care or routine check-ups [11].

The COVID-19 pandemic brought these vulnerabilities into sharp focus. Large outbreaks at meat processing plants highlighted the risks. For instance, a Smithfield Foods pork processing plant in South Dakota saw over 1,300 cases and four worker deaths, while JBS Foods facilities in Colorado and Wisconsin reported hundreds of cases and seven deaths [10].

These factors paint a stark picture: the workers who keep factory farms running are often the ones with the least protection, leaving them especially prone to respiratory illnesses.

Prevention and Mitigation Strategies

Reducing respiratory illnesses requires a multi-layered approach. Combining the right protective equipment, engineering upgrades, and policy reforms creates safer and healthier working environments.

Protective Equipment and Training

Proper respiratory protection is critical to shielding workers from the harmful effects of dust, mists, gases, and vapours. Selecting the right respirator for specific hazards is vital, given the diverse risks found in factory farms. For example, air-purifying respirators are effective in environments with adequate oxygen, while supplied-air respirators are essential in hazardous areas like manure pits or confined spaces where oxygen levels may be dangerously low [16].

Respirator Type	Best Use Cases	Features
Air-purifying	Dust, particles, known contaminants	Filters air but requires sufficient oxygen levels
Supplied-air	Manure pits, confined spaces	Provides clean air from an external source
Disposable	Short-term tasks	Single-use and convenient
Reusable	Long-term work	Replaceable cartridges, cost-effective

Cartridge and filter selection is equally important. Colour coding helps identify the right protection: white for acid gases, black for organic vapours, green for ammonia gas, and purple for highly toxic particles requiring HEPA filtration [16]. Filters are classified by oil resistance: N-series filters are not oil-resistant, R-series filters resist oil for up to 8 hours, and P-series filters are oil-proof [16].

Workers must undergo fit testing (considering factors like facial hair) and training on when and how to replace filters - either when breathing becomes difficult or as per manufacturer guidelines. Proper storage, such as keeping respirators in sealed plastic bags, helps extend their lifespan by preventing filter saturation [16][17].

While protective equipment is indispensable, engineering controls can further reduce exposure to harmful contaminants.

Engineering and Environmental Controls

Improved ventilation systems are key to reducing airborne hazards. Efficient extraction systems keep work areas clean, particularly in agriculture, where respiratory conditions like asthma are twice as common as the national average [18].

"Efficient extraction and industrial ventilation systems will ensure site areas are kept clean and dust-free, meaning a good working environment" [18].

Customising ventilation systems for each facility, based on professional assessments, ensures contaminants are effectively targeted. For instance, enhanced barn ventilation in enclosed areas can greatly lower respiratory risks [16].

Policy and Systemic Solutions

Long-term improvements in respiratory health also depend on systemic policy changes. In the UK, the government is working on a 10-year health plan shaped by input from patients, healthcare staff, and other stakeholders. This is particularly urgent, as chronic respiratory diseases rank as the third largest cause of years of life lost in England [21].

The economic burden is considerable - lung conditions cost the NHS £11 billion annually, with asthma accounting for £3 billion and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease adding £1.9 billion [21]. To address these challenges, the Life Sciences Sector Plan, backed by over £2 billion in government funding, aims to improve healthcare by accelerating clinical trials, enhancing access to treatments, and supporting UK-based firms [20].

Stronger regulations are also needed to ensure agricultural workers have access to appropriate respiratory protective equipment, given their prolonged exposure to harmful substances [21]. Additionally, measures to curb water and air pollution caused by factory farming are critical. As Barnaby Coupe from The Wildlife Trusts explains:

"We now need rapid work across government departments, looking beyond the farm gate to bring healthy, sustainable diets, fairer food supply chains and resilient nature-friendly farming to life" [19].

A shift to cultivated meat production offers a promising alternative. This method, which produces real meat without slaughter, is carried out in controlled environments with advanced ventilation, filtration, and safety protocols. Workers in these facilities face far fewer respiratory risks compared to traditional factory farms. Beyond improving worker health, this transition also addresses many environmental and ethical issues tied to industrial animal agriculture.

Together, these strategies pave the way for safer, more ethical, and sustainable food production systems.

Conclusion: Safer and Better Solutions

Factory farming poses a serious threat to the respiratory health of workers. In particular, individuals working in Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), such as swine farmers, face significant respiratory risks [2][3]. In the United States alone, animal agriculture has been linked to over 12,000 air-quality-related deaths annually [4]. These numbers underscore the human toll of industrial animal farming.

Given these alarming risks, it's clear that alternative methods of meat production are urgently needed. Unlike factory farming, cultivated meat is produced in sterile, controlled environments, drastically reducing workers' exposure to harmful conditions. Additionally, the elimination of routine antibiotic use in cultivated meat production helps address the growing issues of antibiotic resistance and zoonotic diseases [22].

Paul Shapiro of the Humane Society highlights the importance of exploring multiple solutions:

"The problem of factory farming is just so severe that you need multiple solutions. Just as with fossil fuels, you don't want just one alternative, like wind. You also want solar and more. Similarly, plant-based meats are a great solution to the factory farming problem, but you also want other alternatives, including clean meat" [23].

Cultivated meat not only represents a leap forward in technology but also prioritises worker safety while ensuring sustainable meat production. With 94% of Americans believing that animals raised for food should be treated humanely and free from cruelty [24], there is growing support for change.

The Cultivarian Society envisions a future where real meat can be produced without slaughter. This approach addresses interconnected challenges like respiratory health, animal welfare, and environmental concerns. By supporting the development and adoption of cultivated meat, we can create a food system that protects workers, respects animals, and safeguards public health - proving that enjoying meat doesn't have to come at the cost of compassion.

FAQs

What are the main air pollutants in factory farming that can cause respiratory illnesses in workers?

Factory farming exposes workers to a range of harmful air pollutants, including ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and bioaerosols. These pollutants come from animal waste, feed, and the day-to-day operations of large-scale farming facilities.

Long-term exposure to these substances can cause serious respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic lung conditions. Taking steps to minimise these risks not only protects workers' health but also helps lessen the environmental strain caused by industrial farming.

How does cultivated meat help reduce respiratory health risks compared to factory farming?

Cultivated meat production offers a breath of fresh air - literally - by eliminating the respiratory health risks tied to large-scale animal farming. Traditional factory farms are notorious for producing harmful dust, ammonia, and airborne pathogens, all of which contribute to respiratory problems for farm workers and nearby residents.

In stark contrast, cultivated meat is created in carefully controlled, sterile settings. This approach drastically cuts exposure to these pollutants, safeguarding workers' health and reducing the potential for zoonotic diseases. It's a cleaner, safer option that challenges the problems of conventional farming methods.

What respiratory health risks do migrant workers face in factory farming, and what factors contribute to these issues?

Migrant workers in factory farming often face exposure to harmful substances like dust, pesticides, and mould, commonly found in animal housing and feed. These conditions can trigger serious respiratory issues, including farmer’s lung, chronic bronchitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

On top of that, many workers live in cramped, poorly ventilated housing, which only makes these health risks worse. To make matters more challenging, limited access to healthcare means they often go without proper treatment or preventive measures. This situation underscores the urgent need to improve both their working and living environments to protect their well-being.