Washington, DC - Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns today demanded answers regarding federally-funded experiments that tested fertilizer made from human and industrial wastes in poor, black neighborhoods in Baltimore and East St. Louis.

As indicated by press reports, the researcher from the Baltimore study, Mark Farfel, is now working in New York City on the World Trade Center Health Registry.

According to an Associated Press article, the experiment was intended to test whether sewage sludge protected children from lead poisoning in the soil.  “Nine low-income families in Baltimore row houses agreed to let researchers till the sewage sludge into their yards and plant new grass.  In exchange, they were given food coupons as well as the free lawns,” the story said.  However, “families were assured the sludge was safe and were never told about any harmful ingredients,” and “there is no evidence there was ever any medical follow-up.”

In response to these reports Rep. Towns “If the facts in this report are accurate, these studies are an appalling abuse of government authority reminiscent of other experiments on minorities that have been condemned by history.  I am very concerned that the employment of the same researcher on projects in New York City may jeopardize the health of city residents,” Rep. Towns said.

Rep. Towns wrote to Mayor Bloomberg urging the Mayor to review the role of Mr. Farfel in any New York City projects.  In his role as the Chairman of the House Subcommittee overseeing federal grant management, Rep. Towns also sent letters to the Administration requesting documents relating to the Baltimore and East St. Louis studies, as well as procedures to protect the safety of citizens in federally-funded studies.

###

Return to Congressman Towns' website