University Investigated for Experimenting with Sewage in Low-Income Neighborhood

Law makers and the NAACP have asked for an investigation into a research experiment with “sludge” (a mixture of industrial and human sewage) on yards in low-income black neighborhoods in Baltimore.

Those living in the neighborhoods were told that the substance was being tested to see if it would reduce the effects of lead-poisoning among children in the area but allegedly were not told about the toxic content of the sludge.

Though this may not seem like it has much to do with poverty or homelessness, a story like this underscores how often low-income people and neighborhoods are subjected to unsafe conditions and poor development because of absentee law makers and landlords. Now it would appear that researchers don’t seem to mind putting sewage on the lawns of low-income people and not telling them what it really is.

Not only are they subjected to these kinds of conditions, but often are treated with less dignity, as if it is not wrong to put sewage in their yards.

The full story can be found at Democracy Now!