| Soil contamination is the diffusion of hazardous | | | | may have to be removed from the site and treated, |
| material throughout soil. The material can be either | | | | or neutralizing chemicals introduced into the polluted |
| solid or liquid and usually bonds with the soil in which it | | | | material. In the worst case scenarios, water or soil |
| is mixed. Contaminants do not have to be directly | | | | must be sequestered such that it does no more |
| deposited in the soil to negatively affect it; for | | | | damage as it cannot be treated. If water or soil |
| example, many airborne toxic molecules can settle in | | | | contamination goes unnoticed and unsolved people |
| soil. | | | | with high exposures to the contaminants may |
| Soil contamination may also occur as a peripheral | | | | develop chronic or terminal illnesses. |
| effect of ground water contamination, aggravated | | | | Chronic exposure may cause some of the following |
| by flooding or improper waste water disposal. Plants, | | | | symptoms as well as others not listed here: |
| animals, and humans can absorb the adverse | | | | * Various forms of cancer (lung, bladder, brain, |
| compounds upon contact. Soil can be polluted with | | | | kidney, leukemia, lymphoma, skin cancer). |
| either heavy metals or various other chemicals. Again, | | | | * Various forms of learning disability (ADD, ADHD, |
| the types of exposure are dermal contact (e.g. | | | | LD). |
| gardening), inhalation (breathing dust particles), or | | | | * Teratogenic effects (fetal health risks, miscarriages |
| ingestion (eating items grown in impure soil). | | | | and birth defects). |
| The sources of water and soil contamination are | | | | * Reproductive effects or genetic damage from |
| innumerable; however, the following have a high | | | | radiation. |
| probability of potentially contaminating local environs: | | | | * Respiratory effects (breathing difficulties, allergies |
| * Machine shops. | | | | and other similar conditions). |
| * Railroad yards and other railroad-related work sites. | | | | * Gastrointestinal effects (digestive conditions). |
| * Chemical manufacturing plants. | | | | * Cardiovascular effects. |
| * Incinerators. | | | | * Immune system deficiencies. |
| * Dry cleaning stores. | | | | * Hepatic effects (various liver conditions). |
| * Chemical or medical waste storage facilities. | | | | * Renal effects (various kidney effects including |
| * Nuclear power plants or testing facilities. | | | | blood in the urine). |
| * Any manufacturing plant that uses any type of | | | | * Neurological effects (various nervous system |
| cleaning solvents or gasoline based products. | | | | disorders, including reflex malfunction and headaches). |
| * Oil refineries. | | | | If an individual has reason for concern or the physical |
| * Landfills. | | | | manifestations of symptoms they should contact a |
| * Gas stations. | | | | physician and/or the local authorities. There is no |
| Accidental or intentional leaks and spills from any of | | | | reason that anyone should have to consume unsafe |
| the above organizations may allow toxic chemicals to | | | | water or live on dangerous land. Toxic tort law exists |
| seep into the soil or into ground aquifers or water | | | | to protect people's rights and make sure they |
| tables. | | | | receive just compensation for others' negligent |
| Once the chemicals have contaminated the soil or | | | | behavior. |
| water, it is incredibly difficult to remove them. Soil | | | | |