Hygiena 2023, 68(1):34-35 | DOI: 10.21101/hygiena.a1830

Unclear ethical and legal aspects of wastewater surveillance

František Kožíšek
Státní zdravotní ústav, Centrum zdraví a životního prostředí, Praha, Česká republika

The COVID-19 epidemic and associated monitoring of its causative agent in wastewater has led to an exceptional development of wastewater surveillance. This surveillance no longer entails mere monitoring of viruses or other infectious agents, but comprises examination of a number of chemicals and metabolites from which the health condition, behaviour, and indeed the socioeconomic status of a monitored population can be discerned. This type of research, which by its nature deals with sensitive personal data or may stigmatise various population groups does not currently have a clear legal and ethical framework. The situation should be rapidly remedied.

Keywords: sewage, public health, bioethics, legislation

Received: March 2023; Accepted: March 7, 2023; Published: March 31, 2023  Show citation

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Kožíšek F. Unclear ethical and legal aspects of wastewater surveillance. Hygiena. 2023;68(1):34-35. doi: 10.21101/hygiena.a1830.
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