Whether there are any health risks associated with treated sewage sludge and, if so, how any risks are minimised when sludge is applied to …

WRc's (Water Research Centre) Review of the Scientific Evidence relating to the Controls on the Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge reported in 1998. It concluded that there is no direct evidence in the UK of adverse human health effects resulting from the transmission of pathogens from sludge.In addition, UK Water Research Industry Limited (UKWIR) is currently carrying out research to characterise the risks associated with the beneficial use of sewage sludge in agriculture. This study will be the subject of an independent peer review by the Advisory Committee on Microbiology and Safety in Food.Risks are minimised when sludge is applied to agricultural land by complying with the sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989, the associated Code of Practice and the "Safe Sludge Matrix". The matrix has been agreed between Water UK representing the water industry in the UK and the British Retail Consortium representing the major food retailers. It sets out the minimum acceptable level of treatment for any sewage sludge which is to be used in agriculture depending on the type of crop.