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The quality of life in rural farming communities has dramatically changed for many people. Many property owners, long accustomed to the everyday smells associated with farming, are now plagued
by unbearable odors from neighboring hog factories. Others can no longer drink their own well water. Although odor is difficult to measure, scientists have recognized that it can be harmful
to people, causing problems ranging from psychological stress to respiratory illness (Donham, 1998; Schiffman, 1998).
But science is not needed to verify that the negative effects of constant hog odors are real and serious. Listen to some of the people who live their lives surrounded by hog factories. (Don't
have RealAudio? Read the transcripts here.)
Listen to Karen Priest, a community activist and working mother of two, whose Bladen County home is surrounded by hog factories.
Listen to Joe Johnson, whose new home was ruined when 21 new factory hog houses were built next door. Mr. Johnson is a lifelong resident of Duplin County, North Carolina, the top
hog producing county in the country.
Listen to John Carr, whose family has lived in Duplin County since the 1740s. Mr. Carr and his family's life changed dramatically when the hog farm next door more than doubled in size.
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