Could You Be At Risk: The Hazardous Effects of Ammonia
[ad_1]
Ammonia emissions are a common by-product of animal waste. These emissions can negatively impact your animal’s health and production. As well, you yourself can be harmed by high levels of ammonia and even low levels can irritate the eyes and lungs. The environment is another concern, as ammonia emissions affect air quality. In fact, ammonia is known to be a greenhouse gas that negatively impacts the Earth by contributing to global warming.
Ammonia is one of the most dangerous gases that is present in the air in barns and stables. It is produced from the decomposition of manure as well as from urine. The protein in an animal’s diet contains nitrogen that is metabolized by their bodies into animal protein such as milk, meat or eggs, however any nitrogen that is not metabolized is excreted in the animal’s urine or feces. It is through the process of decomposition of the manure that ammonia is emitted into the air.
The accumulation of high levels of ammonia in barns and stables can be recognized by the gas’ strong odor. While all livestock operations produce ammonia, the highest levels of ammonia emissions can be found in poultry operations.
The ammonia emitted into the air by agricultural operations can have a very harmful effect on air quality and the environment. In fact, it has been estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that “animal agriculture can be held accountable for fifty to eight-five percent of all man-made ammonia emissions in the United States”.
It is important to control ammonia in order to protect your health as well as the health of your animals and workers. Controlling ammonia will also improve productivity, help to decrease pollution, control odor and slow the greenhouse effect. Manure management and proper ventilation are two steps that you can take to control these emissions. Proper ventilation is very important, as it helps to dilute the ammonia and keeps high levels from accumulating. Along with proper ventilation and manure management many farmers use stall deodorizers to neutralize ammonia and absorb odors and moisture. In fact, by reducing moisture you are controlling ammonia production!
By utilizing these three methods you can help to control ammonia emissions, odor and moisture, providing a safer and healthier atmosphere for you, your animals and your workers. You will reduce the impact that you have on the environment and protect our Earth for further generations to come.
[ad_2]
Source by Melissa HJ