The British medical journal, BMC Public Health, published a report July 2002 that found affected residents living within approximately one kilometre (0.6 miles) of land-application sites complained of irritation after exposure to winds blowing from treated fields.

Staphylococcus aureus infection, a condition commonly accompanying diaper rash, was found on the skin and in the respiratory tracts of some individuals. Approximately 25 per cent of the individuals surveyed were infected and two died. The 54 individuals surveyed lived near 10 land-application sites in Alabama, California, Florida, New Hampshire, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania and Texas.

S. aureus, which is found in the lower human colon, irritates and inflames tissue. The report also said although modern treatment can eliminate more than 95 per cent of the pathogens, enough remain in the concentrated Class B sludge leaving treatment plants to pose a health risk. The study also found sludge has traces of household chemicals poured down drains, detergents from washing machines, heavy metals from industry, synthetic hormones from birth-control pills, pesticides, and dioxins, a group of compounds that have been linked to cancer.

study and research

The Jamaican Government and the local environmental agencies should study and research the effects human sludge and airborne pathogens could have on Jamaicans.

We, in Jamaica, cannot readily accept the notion that this fertiliser, which is nickednamed 'humanue', is safe for human consumption and the environment, so we should demand that the relevant government agencies make public their independent findings and give assurances in regards to its side effects and our heath.

I am etc.,

STEWART YOUNG

stewartyoung11@hotmail.com