The factory farm industry harms more than animals. Pollution and odors from industrial farms pose considerable health risks and decrease the quality of life for those who live nearby. All too often, the affected populations are people of color in low-income communities.
North Carolina's industrial hog farms are sickening residents, and Native Americans, Latinos and African Americans are disproportionately affected. Bodily waste from millions of swine is stored in giant cesspools, then sprayed onto nearby fields where nitrates, harmful bacteria, and parasites seep into the water supply. Nearby residents are suffering from high blood pressure, runny noses and eyes, bronchitis and asthma. This is to say nothing of the wretched stench they must endure constantly.
These factory farms are violating the civil rights of people who live nearby. Please sign the petition to urge the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources to regulate the state's factory farms to prevent adverse effects on citizens' health and quality of life!
We, the undersigned, are concerned that North Carolina's industrial hog farms are sickening residents. We understand that Native Americans, Latinos and African Americans are disproportionately affected. Bodily waste from millions of swine is stored in giant cesspools, then sprayed onto nearby fields where nitrates, harmful bacteria, and parasites seep into the water supply. Nearby residents are suffering from high blood pressure, runny noses and eyes, bronchitis and asthma. This is to say nothing of the wretched stench they must endure constantly.
We believe that these factory farms are violating the civil rights of people who live nearby. We respectfully urge you to regulate the state's factory farms to prevent adverse effects on citizens' health and quality of life. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
