LIVESTOCK ODORS - IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential effects of lives tock odors on the health and well-being of neighbors. Complaints of od or nuisance have become more frequent in communities surrounding areas with high concentrations of livestock. This increase in complaints fr om livestock odors parallels increased complaints of odor in general, including ammonia, diesel exhaust, beauty products, cleaners, and pain ts. Persons who report symptoms from odors generally find problems wit h many different types of odorous compounds. A review of recent studie s suggests that the main complaints of health symptoms from odors are eye, nose, and throat irritation, headache, and drowsiness. Sensory ir ritation (pungency) can be produced by a broad range of odorous volati le organic compounds from trees, flowers, foods (pepper and ginger) as well as emissions from livestock operations. Odors can also potential ly affect mood and memory. Further research is required to assess full y the health impact of odors in order to establish recommendations for air quality guidelines based on scientific data.