We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
An analysis of ethical issues in using wastewater analysis to monitor illicit drug use.
- Authors
Hall, Wayne; Prichard, Jeremy; Kirkbride, Paul; Bruno, Raimondo; Thai, Phong K.; Gartner, Coral; Lai, Foon Yin; Ort, Christoph; Mueller, Jochen F.
- Abstract
ABSTRACT Aims To discuss ethical issues that may arise in using WWA to monitor illicit drug use in the general population and in entertainment precincts, prisons, schools and work-places. Method Review current applications of WWA and identify ethical and social issues that may be raised with current and projected future uses of this method. Results Wastewater analysis (WWA) of drug residues is a promising method of monitoring illicit drug use that may overcome some limitations of other monitoring methods. When used for monitoring purposes in large populations, WWA does not raise major ethical concerns because individuals are not identified and the prospects of harming residents of catchment areas are remote. When WWA is used in smaller catchment areas (entertainment venues, prisons, schools or work-places) their results could, possibly, indirectly affect the occupants adversely. Researchers will need to take care in reporting their results to reduce media misreporting. Fears about possible use of WWA for mass individual surveillance by drug law enforcement officials are unlikely to be realized, but will need to be addressed because they may affect public support adversely for this type of research. Conclusions Using wastewater analysis to monitor illicit drug use in large populations does not raise major ethical concerns, but researchers need to minimize possible adverse consequences in studying smaller populations, such as workers, prisoners and students.
- Subjects
DRUG use testing; WATER analysis; AUTONOMY (Psychology); CORRECTIONAL institutions; DRUGS of abuse; ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring; POLICE; SCHOOLS; WORK environment; ETHICS
- Publication
Addiction, 2012, Vol 107, Issue 10, p1767
- ISSN
0965-2140
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1360-0443.2012.03887.x