The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is helping local authorities investigate the recurring disposal of human placentas in the area municipal sewage system.

Workers at the Urbana-Champaign Sanitary District have found three placentas in just more than one month, according to a press release.

“I can say with absolute certainty that the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has never received a call of this nature,” public health administrator Julie A. Pryde said in the release.

Human placentas are considered “potentially infectious medical waste, and should not be disposed of in the municipal sewage system,” according to the release.

Those assisting with home births can call the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency at 217-278-5800 for guidance on the proper disposal of human placentas.

The public health district is asking that anyone with information about the improper disposals contact local authorities.