Overly heavy tactile interactions from the human handlers can cause increased basal cortisol levels (a "stress" hormone).

[15] Negative interactions that cause fear mean the escape reactions of the pigs can be extremely vigorous, thereby risking injury to both stock and handlers.

"In Canada the Federal government does not regulate the treatment on farms and most provinces have animal cruelty legislation but they typically contain expectations for general agricultural practices."

[19] Other probable causes of death include vitamin deficiency, mycotoxins in feed, high density diets or abdominal issues.

In a more fat-conscious modern day America, pigs are now being bred to have less back fat and produce more offspring, which pushes the sow's body too far and is deemed one of the causes of the current prolapse epidemic.

[26] Contents from waste have been shown to cause detrimental health implications, as well as harmful algal blooms in surrounding bodies of water.

[27] Due to Concentrated Animal Feed Operations (CAFOs), those who live in the surrounding areas of pig farms tend to experience health complications.

Typically, workers of these farms experience respiratory issues such as wheezing, coughing, and tightness of the chest as well as eye and nasal irritation.

[citation needed] Little to no regulation has been written by the EPA and federal legislators surrounding CAFOs to protect the welfare of both the environment and humans from their impacts.

[31] Common occupational hazards faced by pig farmers include but are not limited to exposure to toxic gases and particulate matter.

[35] Specific PELs exist for toxic gases and particulate matter and these standards are legally enforced by OSHA to ensure that the safety and health of workers are protected.

[35] Toxic Gas and Particulate Matter Exposure Toxic gases including hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, methane and carbon dioxide are produced as a result of the decomposition of pig feces and these gases become highly concentrated in enclosed spaces of pig barns which can be hazardous to health when inhaled.

[36] The common source of hydrogen sulfide are covered manure pits below the pig barns that act as feces reservoirs.

[38] These manure pits require regular emptying and during this process, high levels of hydrogen sulfide is released and seeps into pig barns.

[36] Ammonia gas has a strong odor that can be smelled at low levels, below the OSA PEL, but does not have any negative health effects.

[39] At higher levels, ammonia is irritating to the body's mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, mouth, throat and lungs.

[40] The increased concentration of particulate matter in the air, especially in confined spaces, can lead to respiratory tract irritation and other health effects when inhaled.

[40] OSHA requires that toxic gas and particulate matter be measured at least twice yearly preferably in the autumn months and again in the winter when natural ventilation is the most reduced.

[38][42] As with other commodities, pork presents challenges in the politics of international trade as national interests compete and seek economic modus vivendi.

For example, in 2020, the hog farming sector in Taiwan was upset by a decision to allow imports from the United States without labeling of ractopamine use.

[43] Most pigs in the US receive ractopamine which promotes muscle instead of fat, quicker weight gain, and reduced costs and pollutants in the environment.

Investigations then led to the identification of "a gene called MCR-1 that allowed bacteria to survive colistin treatment in animals and humans.

[51][50]: 95 [48] Excessively hygienic raising conditions were found to prevent proper gut microbiota development by Schmidt et al.

[53] In an attempt to curb diseases such as African swine fever,[54] a number of Chinese companies have built condominium-style mega complexes multiple stories high to house thousands of pigs.