Phil Booth, coordinator at MedConfidential, warns that increased monitoring of wastewater from sinks, drains and toilets, which can reveal infections and drug use, needs to be properly regulated.
It began testing its Microtox PD mobile COVID monitoring system in UK municipal sewage treatment works last year.
"This is about surveillance, this is about identifying the presence of COVID and other pathogens ahead of time," he said. Last year the UK government's Joint Biosecurity Centre opened a new laboratory near Exeter which is now testing thousands of samples taken from sewage treatment works and individual drains every week.
The increased monitoring comes as the identification of illegal drug use from sewage analysis is growing, according to an EU report published last year into monitoring between 2011 and 2020.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How long should you isolate with covid-19?How risky is it to shorten isolation, and has Omicron changed the equation? We explain
Read more »
COVID-19 Pill Rollout Stymied by Shortages as Omicron RagesTwo new COVID-19 pills that were supposed to be an important weapon against the pandemic in the U.S. are in short supply
Read more »
Covid-19: Ulster University students return to campusOn-campus teaching will resume when most Ulster University students return for the new semester
Read more »
Covid-19: Week of thanks to Bristol NHS staff beginsPeople are sending personalised messages to hospital staff for their efforts during the pandemic.
Read more »
How We Can Spot the Next COVID-19 Variant Even FasterA global network of genomic surveillance and testing could help identify the next COVID-19 variant and help us respond more effectively
Read more »
Covid: Lincolnshire hospitals move out of 'critical incident' levelHealth bosses in Lincolnshire say they are still in a 'challenging position' due to staff absences.
Read more »