THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ODORS EMANATING FROM COMMERCIAL SWINE OPERATIONS ON THE MOOD OF NEARBY RESIDENTS

The effect of environmental odors emanating from large-scale hog opera tions on the mood of nearby residents was determined using the POMS (P rofile of Mood States). The scores for six POMS factors and the TMD (t otal mood disturbance score) for 44 experimental subjects were compare d to those of 44 control subjects who were matched according to gender , race, age, and years of education. The results indicated a significa nt difference between control and experimental subjects for all six PO MS factors and the TMD. Persons living near the intensive swine operat ions who experienced the odors reported significantly more tension, mo re depression, more anger, less vigor, more fatigue, and more confusio n than control subjects as measured by the POMS. Persons exposed to th e odors also had more total mood disturbance than controls as determin ed by their ratings on the POMS. Both innate physiological responses a nd learned responses may play a role in the impairment of mood found h ere.