Sludge tested in poor neighborhoods

BALTIMORE (AP) - Scientists using federal grants spread fertilizer made from human and industrial wastes on yards in poor, African-American neighborhoods to test whether it might protect children from lead poisoning in the soil. Families were assured the sludge was safe and were never told about any harm.

Nine low-income families in Baltimore homes 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 free lawns as part of a study published in 2005 and funded by the Housing and Urban Development Department.

No one involved with the $446,231...