Infections linked to use of sewage sludge as fertilizer
The following posting to the Sludge Watch list serv is from CBC News, August 1, 2002 ...
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Infections linked to use of sewage sludge as fertilizer
PORT HOPE, ONT. - Anecdotal evidence suggests spreading sewage sludge as fertilizer increases the risk of illness in people who live nearby.
Scientists in Georgia interviewed 53 Americans and Canadians who live next to fields fertilized with sewage sludge. The residents reported health problems including burning eyes, burning lungs, skin rashes and infections.
About 25 per cent of the people surveyed had Staphylococcus aureus infections, a condition commonly accompanying diaper rash. Medical records showed two people died of septicaemia or pneumonia.
The limited study lacked a control group, but microbiologist David Lewis of the University of Georgia stands by his research, which appears in the July issue of the British medical journal BMC Public Health.
"Our study shows there are potential health risks with exposure to sewage sludge, either by breathing the dust blowing off the fields or by directly contacting sludge-treated fields," said Lewis.
Even though the study has flaws, Dr. Coleman Rotstein of the Canadian Infectious Diseases Society said it raises questions about the safety of sewage sludge.
"I think there should be a moratorium on it until we know a lot better, (and) have more information on the risks," said Rotstein.
Spreading sewage sludge legal in Canada
The City of Toronto has been spreading sewage for years, and says sludge is safe. The practice is considered beneficial because it supplies farmers with free fertilizer and solves a waste disposal problem at the same time.
"There hasn't been one documented case where an adverse environmental impact of human health or the environment has been shown," said Kiyoshi Oka of the City of Toronto.
Some people in Port Hope, Ontario, are fighting to keep sewage sludge out of their back yards. "It's a huge concern because there hasn't been enough scientific research done to prove to us beyond a reasonable doubt that it's safe," said resident Marlene Hungerford.
The sewage treatment process destroys most of dangerous bacteria and viruses but some survive. Sludge also contains heavy metals, chemicals and pharmaceuticals that have been flushed down the toilet.
Canada lacks a national policy on spreading sewage sludge but both British Columbia and Ontario are reconsidering their rules.
Written by CBC News Online staff
The following posting to the Sludge Watch list serv is from CBC News, August 1, 2002 ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Infections linked to use of sewage sludge as fertilizer
PORT HOPE, ONT. - Anecdotal evidence suggests spreading sewage sludge as fertilizer increases the risk of illness in people who live nearby.
Scientists in Georgia interviewed 53 Americans and Canadians who live next to fields fertilized with sewage sludge. The residents reported health problems including burning eyes, burning lungs, skin rashes and infections.
About 25 per cent of the people surveyed had Staphylococcus aureus infections, a condition commonly accompanying diaper rash. Medical records showed two people died of septicaemia or pneumonia.
The limited study lacked a control group, but microbiologist David Lewis of the University of Georgia stands by his research, which appears in the July issue of the British medical journal BMC Public Health.
"Our study shows there are potential health risks with exposure to sewage sludge, either by breathing the dust blowing off the fields or by directly contacting sludge-treated fields," said Lewis.
Even though the study has flaws, Dr. Coleman Rotstein of the Canadian Infectious Diseases Society said it raises questions about the safety of sewage sludge.
"I think there should be a moratorium on it until we know a lot better, (and) have more information on the risks," said Rotstein.
Spreading sewage sludge legal in Canada
The City of Toronto has been spreading sewage for years, and says sludge is safe. The practice is considered beneficial because it supplies farmers with free fertilizer and solves a waste disposal problem at the same time.
"There hasn't been one documented case where an adverse environmental impact of human health or the environment has been shown," said Kiyoshi Oka of the City of Toronto.
Some people in Port Hope, Ontario, are fighting to keep sewage sludge out of their back yards. "It's a huge concern because there hasn't been enough scientific research done to prove to us beyond a reasonable doubt that it's safe," said resident Marlene Hungerford.
The sewage treatment process destroys most of dangerous bacteria and viruses but some survive. Sludge also contains heavy metals, chemicals and pharmaceuticals that have been flushed down the toilet.
Canada lacks a national policy on spreading sewage sludge but both British Columbia and Ontario are reconsidering their rules.
Written by CBC News Online staff
posted by Sludge at 11:53 AM
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