Evaluation of Health Effects Data on the Reuse of Shower and Laundry Waters by Field Army Units

Abstract : Health effects of short-term shower and laundry water reuse have been assessed in a four task program covering: wastewater composition, engineering evaluation of treatability, toxicity, and previous Army-sponsored research. Available data do not indicate that water reuse would result in toxic effects. It is concluded that the next phase of work to consider is human clinical trials. To assess the reasonableness of such trials, it is recommended that consideration be given to the preparation of five documents, one each on the following topics: the need for and benefits of short-term shower and laundry water reuse, acceptable risks associated with short-term shower and laundry water reuse in a combat situation, acceptable risks for human test subjects in clinical trials of water reuse, a protocol for animal studies designed to assess the possibility of human toxic responses to water reuse, and a protocol for human clinical trials of short-term shower and laundry water reuse.