An Appraisal of the Potential Health Impacts of Sewage Disposal to UK Coastal Waters

In: Water and environment journal, Band 4, Heft 3, S. 295-303

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe discharge of sewage to the unique UK coastal environment has been a traditional and cost‐effective means of treatment for many decades. This disposal option is increasingly questioned by professionals with public‐health responsibilities as well as by environmental pressure groups. There are limited firm data on the epidemiological significance of existing disposal practices: the established prospective methods, developed by North American workers in this area, have not provided a scientifically‐robust, epidemiological, research protocol. This leaves a scientific vacuum for those with operational and policy responsibilities in this important and sensitive area of water resource management.