Hartland Farms (MI) applying Liquid Waste - Air Monitor Shows Hydrogen Sulfide levels dangerous - Monitoring, Reporting, Educating about CAFO Pollution

The Stench from Hartland Farms applying liquid waste on 9/1/2016 is dangerous for pregnant women, elderly and residents trying to breathe, particularly those with respiratory challenges. Today’s waste application is on Hay field, Northwest corner of Beecher and Henning Highway. Wind gusts 14 mph, NNE.

Hartland Farms applying Waste near Clayton MI, 9/1/2016 High Hydrogen Sulifde levels

Neighbors report that chemical emissions are causing gagging, and windows must be sealed to reduce exposure.

Hydrogen Sulfide chemical Ambient Air reading during application = 180 PPB, Ammonia 0.2 PPM. 18 hours later (9/2/16), Hydrogen sulfide levels were 1,610 PPB (as measured on Wolf Sense calibrated air monitoring equipment) .

Note that the amount of hydrogen sulfide naturally found in the air has been estimated as 0.11 – 0.33 PPB. Concentrations as high as 74 PPB have been measured at pulp mills. Landfills measurements have been up to 14 PPB Hydrogen Sulfide.
Rural Lenawee County residents are being exposed to Hydrogen Sulfide levels that are typically seen only around industrial plants and landfills, and thousands of times the levels naturally present.

For reference, the State of Maine developed recommendations regarding ambient concentrations of chemicals below which there is a minimal health risk over an extended period of exposure. In Maine, 30 PPB is considered acute exposure to Hydrogen Sulfide if it lasts for 30 minutes, and chronic exposure limits (over 1 year period) are 1 PPB.See link for these Public Health chemical exposure recommendations.

Researchers at both the Health Investigations Branch, Division of Health Studies, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) & at Lockheed Martin reported in 2004 that hospital visits for respiratory symptoms (including asthma) among children ≤ 18 years were increased following days on which at least one of the daily rolling 30-minute average hydrogen sulfide concentration exceeded 30 ppb as compared to days where levels did not exceed 30 ppb.

Exposure to chemicals is expensive for Lenawee County families, and this pollution is causing long-term health risks.

Acute Exposure (Reference: Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, (CDC)

Hydrogen sulfide can cause inhibition of the cytochrome oxidase enzyme system resulting in lack of oxygen use in the cells. Anaerobic metabolism causes accumulation of lactic acid leading to an acid-base imbalance. The nervous system and cardiac tissues are particularly vulnerable to the disruption of oxidative metabolism and death is often the result of respiratory arrest. Hydrogen sulfide also irritates skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and the respiratory tract. Pulmonary effects may not be apparent for up to 72 hours after exposure.

Children do not always respond to chemicals in the same way that adults do. Different protocols for managing their care may be needed. If you are experiencing health problems after this exposure, contact a physician for care.

** http://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/publications/documents/ambientairguidelines.pdf