Health Effects of Animal Ag

There are multiple public health issues related to “animal agriculture”, a category that includes cattle, chickens, hogs and other animals that are raised for slaughter. For those who work in the industry and especially for those who work in slaughterhouses, there are numerous health risks, including life-threatening injuries, exposure to infectious diseases, respiratory risks and chemical hazards.
 
For communities that are in proximity to cattle, hog and chicken farms, the millions of tons of manure, much of which is sprayed on the land and pollutes the air and water, brings many serious health risks.
The antibiotics given to animals which are eaten by people has resulted in the creation of antibiotic-resistant germs. And there’s more.
 
Mark Rifkin, a registered dietitian and nutrition educator, has been investigating these health issues and brings them to light in this conversation on Mothering Earth.
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Mark Rifkin,Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Educator


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Mark Rifkin is a Registered Dietitian and holds master’s degrees in health education and environmental science and policy. He specializes in practical applications of plant-based diets and implications for sustainability and health. 

He is the author of a 2023 peer-reviewed article on implications of chronic disease and climate-related disasters on health care capacity and nutrition policy. 

Mark previously worked in policy for the Center for Biological Diversity, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, provided nutrition counseling, and worked in environmental health.  
He is the owner of Balanced Nutrition Solutions, which provides online nutrition services to guide and support adoption and retention of reduced-meat/plant-based/vegan dietary patterns, which are critical to protect and enhance personal, planetary and public health. More information is available at his Facebook page.  https://www.facebook.com/BalNutrSolns

 

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Since it began in 2015, Mothering Earth has been bringing listeners informative programs on a broad range of environmental and sustainable living topics .