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away. The findings suggest that residents living near biosolids permitted fields may
be at an increased risk for certain respiratory, gastrointestinal, and other diseases. Of
the 25 symptoms on the survey, seven were significantly higher for the respondents
living near the fields than away from the fields at a
0.05 confidence level includ-
ing excessive secretion of tears, abdominal bloating, jaundice, ulcer on the skin,
dehydration, weight loss and weakness. Of the sixteen chronic diseases surveyed,
only emphysema was statistically higher in the group near the fields. Of the 14
acute diseases surveyed, bronchitis, upper respiratory infection and Giardiasis were
significantly higher in the group close to the permitted fields. The findings show
that there is some correlation between illness and proximity to permitted fields for
biosolids application in Wood County, Ohio, but it is not proof that biosolids were
the cause of the illnesses. This study suggests that additional research is needed.
α
=
Fig. 10.10
Mass of lead applied to biosolids amended fields through 2003 in Wood County
