ISLAMABAD, July 15: Inadequate sewage treatment facilities in the capital and sludge in waterways pose serious health risks for the citizens of the twin cities.

With three out of four sewage treatment plants being non- functional and the fourth operating below capacity in Sector I-9, the byproduct of municipal and industrial waste are released untreated into the waterways.

According to the environmental experts, even treated sewage sludge may contain toxic chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead and mercury that can cause serious illnesses, including cancer and birth defects.

In addition to causing allergic reactions and infectious diseases, the toxic chemicals could cause long-term debilitating illnesses.

The sludge is laden with bacteria and viruses that can cause diseases like E.coli and salmonella poisoning. It is perhaps causing more health problems for residents, who live near the sewage treatment plants or along the polluted waterways.

The once crystal clear streams running through the capital have been polluted to such an extent that the colour of running water has turned murky.

Municipal staff and the residents throw solid waste in the waterways and contaminate them. The streams in sectors F-6, F-7, G-6, F-5, I-8 are a few of the visible ones bearing effects of man-made pollution.

These polluted water streams contain pathogens and a mixture of chemicals that can worsen the infection process.

Interviews with doctors revealed that one of the major contributing factors to rising number of allergy cases in the capital are polluted water streams.

Sources in EPA said the cases of pollen allergy for which paper mulberry has been held responsible, became more visible since mid-1980’s, when the streams started getting contaminated.

The Environment Protection Agency and the Health Ministry have not taken any steps to ensure public health protection or to update research on the chemical and pathogen standards of sludge in waterways.

There is no official data on the number of people affected by infections as a direct result of polluted waterways, while the regulatory bodies have not taken any step for effective enforcement of standards. Risk assessments are needed to protect human beings against exposure to dangerous substances in sewage sludge.

The EPA should begin a survey on the different types of pathogens found in sewage sludge and also explore the chemical risks involved.