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Air Quality

Air quality around the farm can affect both the health of the producer and environment. The manure by-product methane, for instance, is a potent greenhouse gas, while another manure byproduct hydrogen sulphide is quite hazardous to humans.

Gases - General

Gases and Mists
Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture
Certain gases found in the agricultural environment pose a risk to beef producers, especially those that accumulate in confined spaces: ammonia and hydrogen sulphide. Read up on the dangerous effects of these gases, the degree of risk producers face, and preventative measures they should take to reduce exposure. (PDF)

Manure Gas
British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries
Downloadable via the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture website, this pamphlet describes the dangers posed by certain gases released during the decomposition of manure. (7.65 MB PDF)

Hydrogen Sulphide

Hydrogen Sulphide: The Deadliest Manure Gas
Saskatchewan Labour
Of all the gases released during the rotting of manure, hydrogen sulphide is the most dangerous.

Hydrogen Sulphide Emissions Safety
Alberta Agriculture and Food
Produced during the anaerobic breakdown of manure, hydrogen sulphide is considered both a smelly nuisance and a health hazard.

Ammonia

Ammonia Emissions and Safety
Alberta Agriculture and Food
Information on ammonia, including its detection, occupational contamination limits, and ways to reduce its emissions from livestock buildings. (PDF)

Methane: Greenhouse Gas

Methane Safety
Alberta Agriculture and Food
Produced during anaerobic decomposition of manure, methane is a greenhouse gas which can build up around manure storage sites. Learn how to reduce emissions and protect yourself from methane exposure.

Dust, Mold, Fungus

Dust
Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture
Beef producers are exposed to dust in confined livestock buildings and when feeding animals. Read about safe practices for preventing dust exposure and the health problems that can result from it. (PDF)

Dust Control for Livestock Buildings
Alberta Agriculture and Food
Livestock producers are often exposed to high levels of dust and other harmful gases. Read about the risk posed to livestock producers, and measures producers can take to reduce exposure.

Molds and Fungi
Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture
Damp grains, straw and hay in livestock feeds provide ideal conditions for the growth of molds and fungi. Even after only 4-6 hours of exposure to these molds and fungi can cause a number of respiratory illnesses in humans. (PDF)

Odour

Odour Control on Livestock and Poultry Farms
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Beside explaining how odour arises and spreads, this factsheet offers practical ways to minimize odour complaints: prevention through management, or by installing equipment like biofilters and windbreaks.

Regional Risk

Air Quality Risk in Agricultural Alberta
Alberta Agriculture and Food
A map displaying areas of air quality risk for agricultural areas in Alberta.