title: A high-level disinfection standard for land applying sewage sludges (biosolids).
abstract: Complaints associated with land-applied sewage sludges primarily involve irritation of the skin, mucous membranes, and the respiratory tract accompanied by opportunistic infections. Volatile emissions and organic dusts appear to be the main source of irritation. Occasionally, chronic gastrointestinal problems are reported by affected residents who have private wells. To prevent acute health effects, we recommend that the current system of classifying sludges based on indicator pathogen levels (Class A and Class B) be replaced with a single high-level disinfection standard and that methods used to treat sludges be improved to reduce levels of irritant chemicals, especially endotoxins. A national opinion survey of individuals impacted by or concerned about the safety of land-application practices indicated that most did not consider the practice inherently unsafe but that they lacked confidence in research supported by federal and state agencies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602-4435, USA. dgatie@engr.uga.edu
authors.forename: David K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Gattie
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Lewis
mesh_terms: D004203:Disinfection / Q000592:standards*; D004731:Endotoxins; D004777:Environment; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D007509:Irritants; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D011634:Public Health; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000592:standards*; D012722:Sewage / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000382:microbiology*; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D004731:Endotoxins; D007509:Irritants; D012722:Sewage