Thread:KJ8/@comment-29709645-20160910105552/@comment-29694704-20160910160647

Most would agree that the smell of manure is not pleasant -- but describing the scent as dangerous is another thing entirely. Still, the description is accurate. In concentrated enough doses, the gasses that cause the smell are toxic and can cause health problems in people and animals, including asphyxiation.

Manure generates gasses over time. The gasses become more potent the longer manure is stored. This is especially true if manure is stored in an enclosed location with no ventilation. When the manure is prepared for use -- which involves agitation -- the gases are often released in large doses.

Manure produces four gasses: Hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, methane and ammonia. Of the four, hydrogen sulfide -- which smells like rotten eggs -- is the most dangerous, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The rotten egg smell is present when the gas is at lower levels. Animals and people who breathe it suffer from headaches, dizziness and nausea. The danger occurs when the gas is at higher levels -- not only does it lose its scent, but the results of inhaling the gas are far more dire: sudden respiratory failure, coma and death. Carbon dioxide can also be fatal, ammonia can cause series damage to the eyes and respiratory tract and methane is explosive. Farmers who work with manure must take proper safety precautions such as making sure storage areas have proper ventilation and that safety and rescue equipment are available near the manure.

Credit:homeguides.sfgate.com