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Jeff Vanuga, NRCS/flickr
Air pollution and strong odors emanating from large-scale swine
operations may affect blood pressure of people who live nearby, according
to new research. Twice a day for two weeks, people in the study sat
outside their North Carolina homes, then measured their own blood
pressure and rated the strength of odors. When the odors were the
strongest, their blood pressure rose slightly. It also rose with levels of
hydrogen sulfide measured in the air near their homes. High blood
pressure is a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Many
pig operations in North Carolina are disproportionately located in lowincome
communities of color, where residents already are at increased risk
of these diseases.
What did they do?
For two week periods during 2003-2005, 101 adults living within 1.5
miles of industrial swine facilities sat outside twice a day – once in the
morning and once in the evening – for 10 minutes. While outside, they
filled out a diary and rated the strength of the odor and their stress level.
They then went inside and measured their blood pressure using an
automated device.
Researchers measured blood pressure, because it is a good indicator
of potential heart effects and disease.
While participants collected data, air pollution monitors near their
homes measured levels of hydrogen sulfide – the chemical in
decomposing manure that smells like a rotten egg – and particulate matter
– dust that comes from industrial swine facilities as well as other sources.