What health risks come from contaminated soil?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Contaminated soils pose serious health threats through exposure, both from direct contact and the food chain. Lead causes neurological harm in children, while arsenic raises the potential for cancer. PFAS chemicals can harm organs, and pesticides can disrupt reproductive systems. Children can be more adversely affected because they frequently put their hands in their mouths when playing.
Heavy Metals
- Lead: Permanent neurological damage in children
- Arsenic: Skin lesions progressing to bladder/lung cancer
- Cadmium: Kidney damage and bone demineralization
Industrial Chemicals
- PFAS: Liver/kidney damage, hormone disruption
- Petroleum hydrocarbons: Respiratory damage, organ toxicity
- PCBs: Immune system suppression, developmental issues
Pesticides
- Organophosphates: Nervous system damage, paralysis
- DDT: Breast cancer risks, endocrine disruption
- Glyphosate: DNA damage, reproductive problems
Young children are particularly vulnerable to toxins due to their rapidly growing bodies. Lead lowers IQ for life. Arsenic enters the food supply through the roots of vegetables. PFAS chemicals accumulate in the body over the years, causing cumulative damage. Toddlers crawling are the most exposed to contaminated dirt.
Continued exposure leads to health problems later. Low-level exposure to arsenic causes no immediate symptoms but will lead to cancer decades later. Pesticides such as DDT cause gradual hormonal interruption. Test the soil regularly to identify potential hazards before irreversible damage occurs, especially in areas near industrial sites or old buildings.
Prophylactic techniques reduce exposure substantially. Establish safe play areas with mulch or grass cover. Construct raised beds with clean soil suitable for gardening. Thoroughly wash produce and discard the outer leaves. These elementary techniques inhibit major exposure pathways, protecting families.
The frequency of testing depends on risk factors. High-risk areas near factories should be tested annually for contamination. Other regions with residences with gardens may be tested every three to five years. All areas should be tested before any new construction or where edible gardens are to be installed. Proactive testing may prevent human health disasters.
Evaluate findings by referring to EPA safety benchmarks. Levels of lead exceeding 400 ppm necessitate immediate corrective action efforts. Any level of arsenic above 20 ppm requires that the soil be removed and replaced with new soil. If there is any presence of PFAS, it requires remediation. Do not disregard professional recommendations when evaluating a contaminated site.
Read the full article: 5 Critical Insights into Soil Contamination Testing
