In order to increase the amount of affordable animal protein in the human diet, chemicals to promote growth and prevent disease are often used in animal feeding operations. A large proportion of cattle and swine at feeding operations within the USA are raised in arid or semi-arid areas. Particulate matter (PM) in the vicinity of concentrated animal feeding operations in these dry areas contain synthetic and natural anabloic steroids, as well as other growth promoters. PM2.5, PM10, and total suspended particulates were collected near several feeding operations. Trenbolone, estradiol, and melengestrol were among the analytes detected in these PM fractions. Temporal profiles of growth promoters within PM revealed interesting patterns. The management of feeding operations appears to affect the constituents sorbed to PM. As cities in the USA encroach into agricultural areas, these compounds may reach major metropolitan areas. Also, as the need for animal protein increases globally, the confluence of animal feeding areas and major metroplitan areas is likely to become more common. As such, it is critical to understand environmental and health risks to allow proper resource management. The data within this presentation will form the basis of an exposure assessment for PM associated growth promoters.

Airborne steroids and growth promoters near concentrated animal feeding operations

246th National Meeting (2013)

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