This document summarizes recent research on the impact of aerosols on respiratory health among dairy workers and residents living near dairies. It discusses studies showing associations between endotoxin exposure from livestock farms and reduced risk of asthma and allergies. However, other studies have found occupational exposures to be associated with respiratory symptoms and lung function reductions in dairy workers. The document calls for identifying high exposure tasks and locations, implementing engineering and protective controls, providing medical monitoring, and training to help manage risks to worker and community health from agricultural aerosols in the face of scientific uncertainties.
Protective Factors for the Development of Childhood Asthma and Allergies Enco...Global Risk Forum GRFDavos
GRF One Health Summit 2012, Davos: Presentation by Prof. Charlotte Braun-Fahrländer - Professor - Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH)
Dr. Amy Kinsley - Movement Matters: Using Swine Shipment Patterns to Identify...John Blue
Movement Matters: Using Swine Shipment Patterns to Identify Farms For Targeted Disease Surveillance and Control - Dr. Amy Kinsley, from the 2018 Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, September 15-18, 2018, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2018-leman-swine-conference-material
Teoria higienista en la prevención de enfermedades respiratorias alérgicas.
Posición de defensa de la Teoría Higienista, en debate realizado durante la Jornada de Patología Respiratoria celebrado en el COMB, Noviembre 2019
Protective Factors for the Development of Childhood Asthma and Allergies Enco...Global Risk Forum GRFDavos
GRF One Health Summit 2012, Davos: Presentation by Prof. Charlotte Braun-Fahrländer - Professor - Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH)
Dr. Amy Kinsley - Movement Matters: Using Swine Shipment Patterns to Identify...John Blue
Movement Matters: Using Swine Shipment Patterns to Identify Farms For Targeted Disease Surveillance and Control - Dr. Amy Kinsley, from the 2018 Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, September 15-18, 2018, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.
More presentations at http://www.swinecast.com/2018-leman-swine-conference-material
Teoria higienista en la prevención de enfermedades respiratorias alérgicas.
Posición de defensa de la Teoría Higienista, en debate realizado durante la Jornada de Patología Respiratoria celebrado en el COMB, Noviembre 2019
5th International Disaster and Risk Conference IDRC 2014 Integrative Risk Management - The role of science, technology & practice 24-28 August 2014 in Davos, Switzerland
Pathology: A divine knowledge that prevents diseasesOmics14
2nd International Conference and Exhibition on Pathology during August 5-7, 2013, at Embassy Suites Las Vegas, USA. Here comes a branch of science called 'Pathology' that facilitates the study and diagnosis of diseases through a thorough examination of organs, tissues, bodily fluids, and entire body.
Research done by Mahendra Trivedi -Impact of Biofield Treatment on Ginseng an...Abby Keif
Research on Trivedi Effect - This study tested the Null Hypothesis for the effect of BioField Energy applied to two separate crops under typical growing conditions, namely ginseng and organic blueberry in commercial plantings in Wisconsin and California, respectively. To read paper, please visit: http://works.bepress.com/mahendra_trivedi/3/
Research done by Mahendra Trivedi -Impact of Biofield Treatment on Ginseng an...john henrry
Research on Trivedi Effect - This study tested the Null Hypothesis for the effect of BioField Energy applied to two separate crops under typical growing conditions, namely ginseng and organic blueberry in commercial plantings in Wisconsin and California, respectively.to read more visithttp://www.academicroom.com/article/biofield-and-fungicide-seed-treatment-influences-soybean-productivityseed-quality-and-weed-community
The interconnections between human, animal and environmental healthUniversity of Calgary
One Health is an initiative that looks at how people, animals and the environment interact, and the health impacts that each has on the others. Researcher Dr. Baljit Singh provides a deeper insight into how One Health could improve our understanding of complex problems such as food safety, water safety, infection and disease transmission through a cross-disciplinary approach.
Co-presenter Dr. Susan Cork looks at three different case studies on vector borne diseases in Canada to illustrate the need to take a One Health approach in the face of climate change and other factors affecting in how diseases are distributed. To watch the webinar recording, go to http://www.ucalgary.ca/explore/interconnections-between-human-animal-and-environmental-health
Health Sciences is a multidisciplinary field. It actively combines bio-medical, psycho-social, organizational and societal aspects of health, disease and health care.
Sublingual immunotherapy improves quality of life Ola_Gualtieri
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a major concern for senior citizens. It is a multi-dimensional concept often used to measure the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of an individual.
Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS), a clinical syndrome common in routine practice, is still not fully defi ned entity characterized by features of both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). .
Relationship between aging immunoglobulin g, and chronic rhinosinusitisFrank Reynold
Several scientific studies have studied chronic sinusitis and its related causes. In this context, this recently published research published in Research in Immunology: An International Journal investigated relationship between aging, immunoglobulin G, and chronic rhinosinusitis.
Proceedings available at: http://www.extension.org/67601
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers several resources to its members and the public regarding various disposal issues encountered by the veterinary community and animal owners. With its veterinary medical expertise, the veterinary profession can be a valuable resource for clients, the general public, regulators, and other stakeholders on carcass and other animal waste disposal issues, especially those involving potential health risks to other animals or the public. The purpose in developing these resources is to further increase awareness by the veterinary profession and its stakeholders of the value, potential hazards, and legal restrictions concerning disposal of animal waste and carcasses.
5th International Disaster and Risk Conference IDRC 2014 Integrative Risk Management - The role of science, technology & practice 24-28 August 2014 in Davos, Switzerland
Pathology: A divine knowledge that prevents diseasesOmics14
2nd International Conference and Exhibition on Pathology during August 5-7, 2013, at Embassy Suites Las Vegas, USA. Here comes a branch of science called 'Pathology' that facilitates the study and diagnosis of diseases through a thorough examination of organs, tissues, bodily fluids, and entire body.
Research done by Mahendra Trivedi -Impact of Biofield Treatment on Ginseng an...Abby Keif
Research on Trivedi Effect - This study tested the Null Hypothesis for the effect of BioField Energy applied to two separate crops under typical growing conditions, namely ginseng and organic blueberry in commercial plantings in Wisconsin and California, respectively. To read paper, please visit: http://works.bepress.com/mahendra_trivedi/3/
Research done by Mahendra Trivedi -Impact of Biofield Treatment on Ginseng an...john henrry
Research on Trivedi Effect - This study tested the Null Hypothesis for the effect of BioField Energy applied to two separate crops under typical growing conditions, namely ginseng and organic blueberry in commercial plantings in Wisconsin and California, respectively.to read more visithttp://www.academicroom.com/article/biofield-and-fungicide-seed-treatment-influences-soybean-productivityseed-quality-and-weed-community
The interconnections between human, animal and environmental healthUniversity of Calgary
One Health is an initiative that looks at how people, animals and the environment interact, and the health impacts that each has on the others. Researcher Dr. Baljit Singh provides a deeper insight into how One Health could improve our understanding of complex problems such as food safety, water safety, infection and disease transmission through a cross-disciplinary approach.
Co-presenter Dr. Susan Cork looks at three different case studies on vector borne diseases in Canada to illustrate the need to take a One Health approach in the face of climate change and other factors affecting in how diseases are distributed. To watch the webinar recording, go to http://www.ucalgary.ca/explore/interconnections-between-human-animal-and-environmental-health
Health Sciences is a multidisciplinary field. It actively combines bio-medical, psycho-social, organizational and societal aspects of health, disease and health care.
Sublingual immunotherapy improves quality of life Ola_Gualtieri
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a major concern for senior citizens. It is a multi-dimensional concept often used to measure the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of an individual.
Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS), a clinical syndrome common in routine practice, is still not fully defi ned entity characterized by features of both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). .
Relationship between aging immunoglobulin g, and chronic rhinosinusitisFrank Reynold
Several scientific studies have studied chronic sinusitis and its related causes. In this context, this recently published research published in Research in Immunology: An International Journal investigated relationship between aging, immunoglobulin G, and chronic rhinosinusitis.
Proceedings available at: http://www.extension.org/67601
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers several resources to its members and the public regarding various disposal issues encountered by the veterinary community and animal owners. With its veterinary medical expertise, the veterinary profession can be a valuable resource for clients, the general public, regulators, and other stakeholders on carcass and other animal waste disposal issues, especially those involving potential health risks to other animals or the public. The purpose in developing these resources is to further increase awareness by the veterinary profession and its stakeholders of the value, potential hazards, and legal restrictions concerning disposal of animal waste and carcasses.
Estimation of phosphorus loss from agricultural land in the heartland region ...LPE Learning Center
Full Proceedings is available at: http://www.extension.org/72813
Phosphorus (P) indices are a key tool to minimize P loss from agricultural fields but there is insufficient water quality data to fully test them. Our goal is to use the Agricultural Policy/Environmental eXtender Model (APEX), calibrated with existing edge-of-field runoff data, to refine P indices and demonstrate their utility as a field assessment tool capable of protecting water quality. In this phase of the project our goal is to use existing small-watershed data from the Heartland Region (IA, KS, MO and NE) to determine the level of calibration needed for APEX before using the model to generate estimates of P loads appropriate for evaluating a P Index.
Often we believe “if they only understood the facts, they would agree with us.” However, this method only works with a small part of the population. Opinion formation is very complex and includes many other factors besides scientific facts, such as emotion, values, and trust.
Fear-based messaging has been frequently used as an attempt to provide a spark that will lead to further learning and behavioral changes. However, these messages must be coupled with both information and support in order to be effective. Without these two resources, people often suffer from feelings of helplessness, remoteness, and lack of control over the situation which all prevent behavior change from occurring. For more, visit: http://www.extension.org/69114
Full proceedings available at: http://www.extension.org/72818
Phosphorus indices provide relative loss ratings that then have a corresponding management response. Because most state Phosphorus Indices are qualitative it is not clear how the relative loss rating corresponds to actual phosphorus inputs into the receiving water and how the receiving water would react to these additions. Even with qualitative Phosphorus Indices, unless the water resource has a specific Total Maximum Daily Load, it is not clear how losses correspond to water quality outcomes. These issues will be discussed in the context of the 590 Natural Resources Conservation Standard for nutrient management.
Development of a New Manure Amendment for Reducing Ammonia Volatilization and...LPE Learning Center
The full proceedings paper is at: http://www.extension.org/72844
Adding alum to animal manures greatly reduces ammonia (NH3) emissions and phosphorus (P) runoff. Improvements in poultry production, lower energy costs and environmental benefits from alum have led to widespread use by the poultry industry. Over one billion broilers are grown with alum in the U.S. each year. However, the price of alum has increased dramatically, creating a need for cheaper products that control NH3 and P losses. The goal of this research was to develop an inexpensive manure amendment that is as effective as alum in reducing NH3 volatilization and P runoff from poultry litter. Sixteen manure amendments were created using various ratios of alum mud, bauxite ore, sulfuric acid, liquid alum and water. Alum mud is the waste product that is left over from the manufacture of alum when made by mixing sulfuric acid with bauxite. A laboratory NH3 volatilization study was conducted using a total of 11 treatments; untreated poultry litter, litter treated with liquid or dry alum and litter treated with eight of the new mixtures. All amendments tested resulted in significantly lower NH3 losses than the controls. Ammonia losses with dry and liquid alum were reduced by 86% and 75%, respectively. Ammonia losses with the eight new amendments ranged from 62 to 73% less than controls and were not significantly different from liquid alum and the three most effective mixtures were not significantly different from dry alum. All of the amendments also significantly reduced water extractable P (WEP); three of which resulted in significantly lower WEP than with dry alum. The most promising products were mixtures of alum mud, bauxite, and sulfuric acid. The potential impact of these products could be enormous, since they could be produced for less than half the price of alum, while being equally effective at reducing both NH3 emissions and P runoff.
Estimation of phosphorus loss from agricultural land in the southern region o...LPE Learning Center
Full Proceedings is available at: http://www.extension.org/72817
The purpose of our work was to determine, within the southern region (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, and TX), the feasibility of using different models to determine potential phosphorus loss from agricultural fields in lieu of phosphorus indices.
Feeding Strategies to Mitigate Cost and Environmental Footprint of Pig Produc...LPE Learning Center
Full proceedings at: http://www.extension.org/72746 The livestock sector is one of main drivers of the environmental footprint. Animal feed is a key to sustainable meat production. Researchers are looking for environmentally sustainable feeding strategies that will lower diet cost, agricultural use of land, water depletion, and climate change impact. We used linear models to formulate 4 single-objective diets including least-cost, least-land use, least-water depletion, and least-climate change impact diets. Preliminary results showed that the use of wheat and wheat middlings hold potential to reduce pig diet cost and the environmental footprint.
Checking ambition with reality the pros and cons of different approaches to s...LPE Learning Center
Full proceedings available at: http://www.extension.org/72793
The revision of the USDA-NRCS national standard for nutrient management in 2011 was driven, in part, by inconsistencies in state phosphorus (P) indices, rekindling debates over standardizing indices at regional or national scales. Reasonable arguments exist for maintaining the status quo, which allows for state specific site assessment approaches, as well as for regional and national P Indices, which would take advantage of expertise, resources and technologies that may not exist locally. In addition, a diversity of site assessment approaches have now been proposed that differ from the original P Index. Understanding the benefits and limitations provided with these approaches is key to advancing site assessment for P management.
The selection of instruments to measure air quality in animal housing is important. Different instruments each have strengths and limitations. It is also important to understand what factors must be measured along with gases of interest in order to properly quantify and evaluate related factors like ventilation (air flow). For more, visit: http://www.extension.org/pages/15538/air-quality-in-animal-agriculture
Identify and synthesize methods to refine phosphorus indices from three regio...LPE Learning Center
The full proceedings paper is at: http://www.extension.org/72867
This project was started to work with regional CIG projects to calibrate and harmonize Phosphorus Indices across the U.S., demonstrate their accuracy in identifying the magnitude and extent of phosphorus loss risk, and provide suggestions to refine or improve existing Indices. This research is important to provide consistency among state Phosphorus Indices and their subsequent recommendations.
Improved Recovery of Ammonia From Swine Manure Using Gas-Permeable Membrane T...LPE Learning Center
The full proceedings paper is at: www.extension.org/72883
Significant efforts are required to abate NH3 emissions from livestock operations. In addition, the costs of fertilizers have rapidly increased in recent years, especially nitrogen fertilizer such as anhydrous ammonia which is made from natural gas. Thus, new technologies for abatement of ammonia emissions in livestock operations are being focused on N recovery. This presentation shows a novel system that uses gas-permeable membranes to capture and recover ammonia from liquid manure, reducing ammonia emissions from livestock operations, and recovering concentrated liquid nitrogen that could be sold as fertilizer.
The full proceedings paper is at: http://www.extension.org/72751
This session will highlight the importance of nitrification inhibitors and how they help delay the conversion of the ammonium form of nitrogen into the nitrate form which then can lead to leaching and denitrification. By using a nitorgen stabilizer, the plant has access to the ammonium form of nitrogen for a longer period of time in the root zone, where it needs it the most.
for more, http://www.extension.org/69093 Changes in precipitation and temperature vary by region. In general the US is seeing more precipitation and the timing and intensity of precipitation is also changing. While global temperatures are increasing, it is the variability and intensity of temperatures that are of greatest consequence to animal agriculture.
The Future of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Prof. G. Walter Canonica - Con...Juan Carlos Ivancevich
Prof.G.Walter Canonica
Allergy and Respiratory Diseases Clinic
DIMI-‐University of Genoa
Italy
Presidente Congreso SLaai 2015: Dr. Alfonso Cepeda Sarabia
Honey for Treatment of Cough in Children - Feasibility StudyBee Healthy Farms
Respiratory tract infections are an important health problem because of high incidence and economic costs. The World Health Organization identifies honey as a potential demulcent treatment for cough. This study concludes that a RCT (randomized controlled trial) to determine the effects of honey versus placebo is feasible.
Austin Journal of Asthma: Open Access is an open access, peer reviewed, scholarly journal dedicated to publish articles covering all areas of Asthma.
The journal aims to promote latest information and provide a forum for doctors, researchers, physicians, and healthcare professionals to find most recent advances in the areas of Asthma. Austin Journal of Asthma: Open Access accepts research articles, reviews, mini reviews, case reports and rapid communication covering all aspects of Asthma.
Austin Journal of Asthma: Open Access strongly supports the scientific up gradation and fortification in related scientific research community by enhancing access to peer reviewed scientific literary works. Austin Publishing Group also brings universally peer reviewed journals under one roof thereby promoting knowledge sharing.
Children are known to be more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of air pollution due to their higher minute ventilation, immature immune system, involvement in vigorous activities, the longer periods of time they spend outdoors and the continuing development of their lungs during the early post neonatal period. A large number of epidemiological studies have reported an association between exposure to criteria air pollutants and several morbidity and mortality outcomes in children. Criteria air pollutants consist of six air pollutants that are regulated on the basis of their potential to cause adverse health and/or environmental effects: ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide and lead. In the present commentary, we intend to highlight the adverse health outcomes associated with exposure to criteria air pollutants in children.
Similar to Impact of aerosols on respiratory health of dairy workers and residents living near dairies discussion and implications of recent research (20)
Animal agriculture adaptation planning guide (climate change)LPE Learning Center
This 44-page publication produced by the AACC project is a planning guide to help guide farmers through the process of future farm planning considering climate change.
Format: Factsheet or Publication - Reference: Schmidt, D., E. Whitefield, D. Smith. 2014. Produced for Animal Agriculture in a Changing Climate Project.
What is the difference when talking about weather versus climate? How do you measure and describe the atmosphere? How are models used in predicting weather or climate? For more on this topic, visit: http://extension.org/60702
What are some of the basic principles and terminology involved in climate change? Learn more about the Earth's atmosphere, energy balance, and how the greenhouse effect can alter both climate and weather. What is climate forcing? What is climate feedback? For more on this topic, visit: http://extension.org/60702
The current state of cap-and-trade in the U.S. and the mandatory greenhouse g...LPE Learning Center
Where is U.S. policy and voluntary markets current at in terms of cap-and-trade? What is the mandatory greenhouse gas reporting rule and how does it apply to animal agriculture? For more on this topic, visit: http://extension.org/60702
Mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in animal agricultureLPE Learning Center
What steps can animal agriculture take to reduce (mitigate) the greenhouse gas emissions from their farms? What is carbon sequestration and how will that play a role? For more on this topic, visit: http://extension.org/60702
Contribution of greenhouse gas emissions: animal agriculture in perspectiveLPE Learning Center
What are the emissions of relevant greenhouse gases from animal agriculture production and how does that compare to other industries? For more on this topic, visit: http://extension.org/60702
User capabilities and next generation phosphorus (p) indicesLPE Learning Center
Full proceedings available at: http://www.extension.org/72814
The phosphorus (P) index is the primary approach to identify field management strategies and/or manure application strategies likely to lead to excessive risk of P loss. It has been over 40 years since the first research connecting agronomic P management and water quality and over 20 years since the initial publication defining a P Index. This session will consider opportunities to build on and expand existing P Index strategies to make them more effective at protecting water quality and friendlier to the target user.
Full proceedings available at: http://www.extension.org/72868
There has been a tremendous amount of activity and funding of conservation programs with regional and watershed-specific cost-share initiatives. While there have been some successes, water quality response in many areas has not been as great as expected. This has led many to question the efficacy of these measures and to call for stricter land and nutrient management strategies. In many cases, this limited response has been due to the legacies of past management activities, where sinks and stores of phosphorus along the land-freshwater continuum mask the effects of reductions in edge-of-field losses of phosphorus.
Removing phosphorus from drainage water the phosphorus removal structureLPE Learning Center
Full proceedings available at: http://www.extension.org/72839
We constructed a phosphorus (P) removal structure on a poultry farm in Eastern OK; this is a BMP that can remove dissolved P loading in the short term until soil legacy P concentrations decrease below levels of environmental concern. A P removal structure contains P sorbing materials (PSMs) and are placed in a location to intercept runoff or subsurface drainage with high dissolved P concentrations. As high P water flows through the PSMs, dissolved P is sorbed onto the materials by several potential mechanisms, allowing low P water to exit the structure. While they vary in form, P removal structures contain three main elements: 1) use of a filter material that has a high affinity for P, 2) containment of the material, and 3) the ability to remove that material and replace it after it becomes saturated with P and is no longer effective.
Legacy phosphorus in calcareous soils effects of long term poultry litter app...LPE Learning Center
Full proceedings available at: http://www.extension.org/72864
Livestock manures, including poultry litter, are often applied to soil as crop fertilizer or as a disposal mechanism near livestock housing. Manures can improve soil quality and fertility; however, over-application can result in negative environmental consequences, such as eutrophication of surface waters following runoff of soluble or particulate-associate phosphorus (P). In soil, P exists in many forms (inorganic/organic, labile/stable) and the fate of manure P is highly dependent upon soil properties, including soil texture and microbial activity. The Houston Black series is a calcareous (~17% calcium carbonate), high-clay soil that occupies roughly 12.6 million acres in east-central Texas. These Blackland vertizols are agronomically important for the production of cotton, corn, hay, and other crops, but their high calcium and clay content could lead to accumulation of P in forms that are not readily available for plant utilization. Accumulated P could serve as a source of legacy P if mineralized or otherwise transformed in situ or transported with soil particles in runoff.
Modeling phosphorus runoff in the chesapeake bay region to test the phosphoru...LPE Learning Center
Full Proceedings available at: http://www.extension.org/72795
The revision of USDA-NRCS’s standard for nutrient management coincided with significant assessment of the performance of Phosphorus (P) Indices in the six states that are tied to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The 64,000 square mile watershed is the focus of unprecedented activity around nutrient management as a result of a 2011 Total Maximum Daily Load for P, nitrogen (N), and sediment under the Clean Water Act. In addition, the state of Maryland had required updates to it’s original P Index, resulting in broad scrutiny by various interest groups. Within this setting, USDA-NRCS funded a multi-state project to help advance the testing and harmonization of P-based management in the Chesapeake region.
Measuring Nitrous Oxide & Methane from Feedyard Surfaces - the NFT-NSS Chambe...LPE Learning Center
Full proceedings at: http://www.extension.org/72909 Accurate estimation of greenhouse gas emissions, including nitrous oxide and methane, from open beef cattle feedlots is an increasing concern given the current and potential future reporting requirements for GHG emissions. Research measuring emission fluxes of GHGs from open beef cattle feedlots, however, has been very limited. Soil and environmental scientists have long used various chamber based techniques, particularly non-flow-through - non-steady-state (NFT-NSS) chambers for measuring soil fluxes. Adaptation of this technique to feedyards presents a series of challenges, including spatial variability, presence of animals, chamber base installation issues, gas sample collection and storage, concentration analysis range, and flux calculations.
Climate science part 3 - climate models and predicted climate changeLPE Learning Center
Many lines of evidence, from ice cores to marine deposits, indicate that Earth’s temperature, sea level, and distribution of plant and animal species have varied substantially throughout history. Ice cores from Antarctica suggest that over the past 400,000 years global temperature has varied as much as 10 degrees Celsius through ice ages and periods warmer than today. Before human influence, natural factors (such as the pattern of earth’s orbit and changes in ocean currents) are believed to be responsible for climate changes. For more, visit: http://www.extension.org/69150
Climate Is Always Changing: Regional, National, and Global Trends (and how th...LPE Learning Center
For more, visit: http://www.extension.org/70286 Weather happens and the climate is always changing. Farmers are very in tune with these changes because weather is critical to any farming operation. What are the current weather trends in your area? Is it hotter? dryer? cooler? warmer? Is the growing season longer? Has the first frost date changed?
There is a real possibility that the weather of 30 years ago is not what we are seeing today or will see 30 years from now. The video to the right gives an overview of some of the weather trends.
Animal Agriculture's Contribution to Greenhouse Gas EmissionsLPE Learning Center
For more, visit: http://www.extension.org/69145 The conversation about climate change largely revolves around greenhouse gases. Agriculture is both a source and sink for greenhouse gases (GHG). A source is a net contribution to the atmosphere, while a sink is a net withdrawal of greenhouse gases. In the United States, agriculture is a relatively small contributor, with approximately 8% of the total greenhouse gas emissions.
Preliminary Technical Evaluation of Three Reports by U.S. Environmental Prote...LPE Learning Center
http://www.extension.org/72802 The Yakima Valley is a large agricultural area where there are multiple potential sources of nitrate in groundwater. Potential sources are intermingled, i.e., homes with septic systems are on the same properties as the dairies or adjacent to farms and/or dairies. In 2012, Region 10 of the US Environmental Protection Agency undertook a study to source track and identify nitrogen sources in the Yakima River Basin as part of an enforcement effort focusing on dairies. EPA position was that the targeted dairies did not properly apply nutrients to land application fields at agronomic rates, resulting in groundwater contamination. The study area is underlain by 3 aquifers, a shallow perched aquifer likely related to irrigation return flows, an alluvial aquifer and an underlying basalt aquifer. The three aquifers are hydrologically connected either through natural pathways or through wells completed into more than one aquifer. Because none of the potential sources are isolated, source tracking requires an in-depth knowledge of aquifer properties such as aquifer thickness, groundwater flow direction, hydraulic conductivity, and vertical leakance in addition to understanding localized effects of ditches, drains and production wells on groundwater flow. EPA focused on groundwater chemistry, assuming that indicators such as pesticides and other trace organic compounds would tie the groundwater nitrate to a specific source. EPA’s study failed to yield clear indicators pointing to specific sources and did not collect hydrologic data for its 2012 report to gain a detailed understanding of aquifer properties. This presentation will address how to accurately characterize the hydrogeology below dairy production areas and land application fields, and how to proactively manage nutrients to protect dairies from unsubstantiated enforcement actions.
What are the sources of bacteria in your watershed? They may not be what you ...LPE Learning Center
Full proceedings at: http://www.extension.org/72882 According to the 305(b) report, the majority of waterbodies in the US do not meet established water quality standards. Over half (51%) of river miles assessed in 2010 were impaired. Pathogens are the leading cause of water quality impairment in rivers and streams of the US, impairing 16% of river/stream miles assessed. Computer models used to assess bacteria sources and loads in impaired watersheds are generally able to attribute loadings to specific land uses or in some cases specific animal categories based on known or estimated animal population numbers and fecal production rates. To provide better data on the predominant animal sources of bacterial impairments, Texas initiated a bacterial source tracking (BST) program in 2003.
What are the sources of bacteria in your watershed? They may not be what you ...
Impact of aerosols on respiratory health of dairy workers and residents living near dairies discussion and implications of recent research
1. Impact of Aerosols on Respiratory Health
of Dairy Workers and Residents Living
Near Dairies: Discussion and
Implications of Recent Research
Stephen J Reynolds, PhD, CIH, FAIHA
Director High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health
and Safety, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO
Robert Hagevoort, PhD Dairy Extension Specialist, New Mexico
State University, Clovis, NM
2015 Waste to Worth Confernce
Seattle, Washington
March 31, 2015
5. Association and Causation
Epidemiology
• Most convincing evidence for a causal
relation comes from reproducible
experimental demonstration of association.
• Observational studies on human populations
(ethics of experimentation)
o Retrospective (Case History), Prospective
(Cohort)
o Mathematical (statistical) models and
agreement on acceptable error
6. Community Studies:
Evidence for Hygiene
Hypothesis
Braun-Fahrlander et al. Enviromental
Exposure to Endotoxin and its relation to
asthma in school age children. N Eng J
Medicine 2002
Illi et al. Protection from childhood asthma
and allergy in Alpine farm environments –
the GABRIEL Advanced Studies. J Allergy
Clin Immunol 2012
7. Community Studies:
Evidence for Hygiene
Hypothesis
Ege et al. Gene-environment interaction
for childhood asthma and exposure to
farming in Central Europe. J Allergy Clin
Immunol 2011
Smit et al. Air pollution from livestock
farms, and asthma, allergic rhinitis, and
COPD among neighboring residents.
Occup Environ Med 2014
8. Williams et al. Cow allergen (Bos d2) and
endotoxin concentrations are higher in settled dust
of homes proximate to industrial-scale dairy
operations. Nature 2014.
10. Lundell et al. High Proportion of CD5 B
Cells in Infants Predicts Development of
Allergic Disease. J Immunology 2014.
11. Occupational Studies
• Reynolds. Systematic Review of Respiratory
Health Among Dairy Workers J Agromedicine
2013
• Basinas. Sensitization to Common Allergens and
Respiratory Symptoms in Endotoxin Exposed
Workers: a Pooled Analysis JOEM 2012
• Senthilselvan Association of polymorphisms of
toll-like receptor 4 with a reduced prevalence of
hay fever and atopy. Ann Allergy Asthma
Immunol 2008
12. Occupational Studies
• Smit. CD14 and Toll-like receptor Gene
Polymorphisms, Country Living, and
Asthma in Adults . Am J Respir Crit Med
2009
• Gao. Association of Toll-like receptor 2
gene polymorphisms with lung function in
workers in swine operations . Ann Allergy
Asthma Immunol 2013
13. Reynolds. Pulmonary Function Reductions Among
Potentially Susceptible Subgroups of Agricultural
Workers in Colorado and Nebraska JOEM 2012
16. Risk Management in face
of Uncertainty?
Liabilities – Community/consumers vs. workplace
Information needed
Communication and scientific literacy
Cost effective best practices that promote cow
health, productivity, worker health and community
health
17. Recommendations
Identify locations and tasks that
contribute to respiratory exposures
Provide baseline and annual medical
exams
Engineering controls – ventilation,
enclosed/ventilated cabs, feed
additives, bedding materials, washing
frequency
Protective equipment – N95 dust masks
and respirators (when engineering is
not available
Training
Research related to dairy and adjacent communities has recently attracted significant media attention.
Studies of children living in the vicinity of dairies and other livestock operations have shown that low level exposure to bioaerosols containing endotoxins from Gram negative bacteria and other microbial components at a very young age may be protective against the development of asthma later in life, possibly through priming of the immune system. The recent study of Swedish children with the suggestion that “pregnant women may benefit from spending time on dairy farms has attracted particular attention.”
Good or bad idea? (just one example drawback – listeria, not common but certainly possible?)
Other studies of large modern dairies have found that exposure to high levels of organic dusts generated during milking, moving cows, feeding and other tasks has been associated with increased inflammation and decreased lung function resulting in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma-like diseases.
So what’s going on? How do dairy producers make sense of the science and respond appropriately? Or better yet how do they help science advance?
This presentation will take closer look at recent examples of both community and occupational health studies related to dairy, explore their strengths and limitations, consider the cumulative evidence, and suggest possible next steps.
To step back – Science is based on a system of Observation, Formulation and Testing of Hypotheses to explain and predict and outcome (causal mechanism or mathematical relationship), and depends on replication by other experimenters (peer review).
Producers cannot base decisions about practice on one study – but must consider the body of evidence, strengths and weaknesses and populations studied. Beyond the science Consider practical implications – reasonable, economic, social, political, ethical?
There is a strong body of evidence (more than 35 studies), going back more than a decade, that demonstrates that being raised on a traditional dairy farm is protective for asthma and atopy (allergy). Studies in Europe, North America, South America, and NZ/Australia suggest that this effect is strongest when exposure occurs in utero, and that positive effects can extend into adult life. Specific exposures (contact with cows, drinking raw milk, and high microbial diversity) seem to be more important for asthma but not as consistent for allergic sensitization. atopy . See review by Von Mutius Nature Reviews Immunology 2010.
Mouse models are helping to explain the mechanisms through which microbiome modulates immune responses and allergic inflammation, but long term studies are needed to understand the role of human genetics and timing of exposure.
Study of communities in Yakima Valley – measured settled dust inside and outside of 40 homes. Concentration gradient – higher cow allergen and endotoxin in homes closer to dairies and sprayfields. Concentrations of endotoxin measured in the proximal homes at levels associated with negative respiratory health effects. (measured Eu\U/mg of dust)
Limitations – cross sectional – one time, no info on wind direction and orientation to facility, specific information on facility (# cows etc), use of cow manure at home gardens.
Innate immunity body’s first-line of defense, present from birth
Adaptive or acquired immunity develops on exposure and recognition of antigens by the immune system
Toll-like receptors shown to play an important roll in both innate and adaptive immune responses
Activation pathway of TLR4 in response to Gram negative bacterial endotoxin/LPS has been intensively studied but there are many other immune system pathways that respond to Gram positive bacteria, archea, and other environmental agents. Genetic mutations that affect these pathways may either increase or decrease development of respiratory disease and allergic sensitization.
The recent study of Swedish children in particular has garnered media attention with a statement that pregnant women may benefit from spending time on dairy farms. Lundell and colleagues followed children to the age of 3 years finding that those living on farms had a lower risk of developing asthma and that delayed maturation of immune system B cells among those NOT exposed.
Strengths of study - Weaknesses – relevence for modern farms in US? Genetic and other risk factors. Population, Replication – further human, animal and cell studies.
Recent studies of large modern dairies have found that respiratory disease remains an important problem for dairy workers, contributing to lost time and high turnover. Exposure to high levels of organic dusts generated during milking, moving cows, feeding and other tasks has been associated with increased inflammation and decreased lung function resulting in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma-like diseases. Much research into the cause of respiratory disease in agriculture has focused on the role of endotoxins – a chemical component of Gram-negative bacteria.
Our recent work and others have shown that the exposure response relationship in agricultural workers is modulated by genetic polymorphisms. Effects depend on age at time of exposure.
Inhalation exposure to Gram-positive bacteria and their chemical constituents (e.g. PGN) in dairies is much higher than previously thought, and there is strong in vitro evidence demonstrating their inflammatory effects.
Gao – SNP TLR4 protects vs wildtype, Smit – French case control asthma TLR 2, CD14 atopic asthma – modified by country living
Many new workers adapt to these exposures, and evidence suggests that individual behavior and genetic factors play a key role in explaining why some workers are more susceptible. Our recent work including dairy workers found that Co-exposure to Pesticides, smoking, and TLR4 polymorphisms were effect modifiers on lung function/bioaerosol interaction – - Most recent study populations have included dairy workers but very few studies focused exclusively on exposures and health effects among dairy workers.
Exposure to bioaerosols in combination with self-reported pesticide/herbicide use and in combination with smoking are effect modifiers on cross shift changes in lung function
TLR4 polymorphisms Asp299Gly and Tlr399Ile may influence cross shift changes in lung function for workers exposed to dust and 3-OHFA. However, further study is required due to possible sample interference from the small sample size.
Limitations of Occupational Studies – Few studies simultaneously measured exposure and health effects. Genetics complicated – few studies of multiple genetic polymorphisms along with other potential risk factors including other exposures, behaviors, and diseases.
Exposure to diverse microbiome plays important role in asthma – whether protective or harmful appears dependent on level and timing of exposure, co-risk factors, human genetics.
High levels of organic dusts have been associated with increased inflammation and decreased lung function resulting in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma-like diseases among adult dairy workers.
A growing body of evidence indicates that children living near dairies and other livestock operations with low level exposures at a very young age may be protected against asthma later in life, possibly through priming of the immune system.
This appears to be consistent with the observation that new workers who were raised on farms or have prior farming experience are at lower risk for asthma and asthma like diseases.
Other important disease endpoints and agents to consider in the dairy environment – COPD, heat stress, infectious agents – listeria (blue), E Coli 0157?
Producers need to understand the risks (given current evidence) and balance with reasonable approaches that optimize health of workforce, livestock, consumers and neighbors.
So from a bigger-picture risk management perspective there a number of aspects that producers need to consider.
Although genetics and early exposures appear to be important and this research may lead to protective strategies such as medications that block an over-response to endotoxin – there are no screening or profilactics available now. The ethics of genetic screening and setting exposure guidelines for susceptible workers are being hotly debated. A strong argument has been made that developing guidelines to protect susceptible workers is desirable since it reduces risk for the whole workforce.
Would like to suggest that it would be helpful for producers: to continue to engage with researchers to address research gaps and conduct relevent studies. And to use prudence where feasible – through adopting best practices that promote cow health, worker health, productivity, and community health.
It is worth emphasizing that modern dairy production has already significantly reduced the prevalence of respiratory disease through improved engineering controls/operation design. There are further steps that producers can take to reduce risk of respiratory disease among workers:
Identify locations and tasks that contribute to respiratory exposures
Conduct baseline and annual medical exams to identify existing or developing respiratory problems before they become worse. It is not legal to conduct a pre-hire physical exams, but working with medical providers, workers compensation carriers you may be able to manage job placement.
Focus first on Engineering controls – although in many cases these were not designed with controlling worker exposures there are studies demonstrating that barn ventilation, enclosed/ventilated cabs, parlor washing frequency, feed additives, and bedding materials (Samadi 2012 – found endotoxins lower in barns using sawdust vs. compost. Sand reported to reduce E coli 0157:H7 Westphal 2011). Much more research on cost – effective interventions is needed. We are in first year of study working with producers in Mountain West region to identify and evaluate potential engineering interventions.
Where engineering controls do not exist or are not practical Protective equipment, specifically – N95 dust masks and respirators may be used. Workers must be medically able to wear a respirator, must be fit tested to make sure there are no leaks, and trained. The respirator must also be specific for the hazards including any chemicals.
To be effective any intervention needs to be practical and cost effective.
Again we would like to encourage producers to continue to engage with researchers to understand what the science , ant to address knowledge gaps that are most important for sustainability of the industry.