"Kate Sinz: Vermont migrant dairy farm workers face environmental threats,"

... The vulnerable backbone to Vermont’s dairy production consists of migrant worker, working long hours and performing extreme levels of manual labor. This group is exposed to toxic chemicals and other occupational hazards daily with little to no protections or concern for their well-being.

... There has been a general failure to recognize the humanitarian aspect of working on dairy farms, which has resulted in the mistreatment of an entire section of the population...

.... Iodine exposure can cause skin burns, eye irritation and damage. Chlorine and acids used for cleaning equipment have also harmed workers, causing burns and vision problems.

... only 25% of workers reported being trained on chemical risks. 55% of survey participants reported being exposed to formaldehyde... Workers revealed that they experience dizziness, vomiting, nausea and nosebleeds from inhaling the powder. 

The environmental risks do not end there. Livestock farms are notoriously riddled with other toxins, such as bioaerosols, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide gas, and volatile organic compounds...

... there remains overt mistreatment to Vermont immigrants every day that must be addressed, and employers have a responsibility to provide safe working environments.