Tracing Toxins: Exploring the Causes of Land Contamination
Contaminated land refers to the presence of harmful substances in the soil or water that can sometimes pose risks to future development, human health and the environment.
From historical industrial activities to improper waste disposal, there are various causes of land contamination or pollution that require assessment to mitigate associated risks. By identifying and addressing these causes, we can effectively protect human health and ensure a safe and healthy environment for future generations.
Types of land contamination
Land contamination is most often associated with soil and water:
• Soil contamination can result from the presence of harmful chemicals, heavy metals, or asbestos in the soil. This can pose risks to human health if contact with affected soils is possible.
• Water contamination can occur when pollutants such as chemicals, hydrocarbons or heavy metals seep into groundwater sources or surface water bodies, leading to health hazards for both humans and local ecosystems.
What causes land contamination?
Industrial activities
Land contamination can occur due to a variety of human activities, with industrial sites being a major contributor. Chemical spills from factories and manufacturing plants can release harmful substances into the soil and water, leading to pollution of the surrounding areas. The historical use of asbestos containing materials was a widespread and common practice, and many former industrial sites have asbestos in the soil.
Improper waste disposal, such as the dumping of hazardous materials or rubbish, can also contaminate the environment and pose a threat to human health.
Urbanisation
One might assume that contamination is limited to areas with a history of industrial activity or known pollution sources. In fact, what many people aren’t aware of is the risk of soil contamination in residential areas, such as gardens and allotments. This is predominantly a result of historical practices of burning waste, which resulted in shallow soil being polluted by heavy metals and hydrocarbons. There’s also the risk of asbestos in older shed roofs and outbuildings.
Human activity in built-up areas can result in the release of pollutants, such as heavy metals (including lead from exhaust emissions), chemicals, and oils, which can end up in local soil.
Construction activities contribute to pollution through the disposal of waste, chemicals, and debris. Landfills, which are used for the disposal of solid waste, can leak harmful substances into the soil and groundwater. Sewage systems can also release untreated sewage, containing pathogens and chemicals, into the environment.
Natural causes
Land contamination can happen naturally from weathering and erosion. This can release heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury into the environment. Rainwater can carry these toxins into waterways and groundwater.
Effects of land contamination
It is important to understand that pollution can pose various risks and effects if not managed.
Health risks to humans: There is a risk of people being exposed to contaminants in the ground through direct contact with the skin, inhalation of dust, and ingestion of home-grown vegetables and fruit. It can pose health risks such as skin irritations, respiratory issues, headaches, and, in extreme circumstances, can even cause severe health conditions such as cancer and birth defects.
Damage to ecosystems: Contamination can also be harmful to ecosystems, such as the flora and fauna. It can interfere with soil structure and nutrient cycles, which in turn affect biodiversity.
Economic impacts: Polluted land can affect the economy. For example, the land may become unfit for use or may need expensive remediation before it can be safely repurposed or redeveloped, resulting in financial burdens for both property owners and communities.
Prevention and remediation
Proper waste management practices are essential to avoiding land pollution in the first place.
This includes following regulations for hazardous waste disposal, ensuring landfills are properly lined and sealed, and reducing the overall amount of waste produced through recycling and reuse programs.
There are also ways of de-risking contaminated land. This includes risk assessments, remediation strategies and verification, which can include site surveys and more.
With proper management, assessment and restoration efforts, we can reduce health and environmental risks from contaminated sites and allow the sustainable reuse of land.
Get your land tested
It is crucial to understand the causes of land contamination in order to implement the right remediation strategies. With an assessment, you can unlock contaminated land for redevelopment, protect human health and the environment, and generate economic and sustainability benefits.
Get your land tested by the experts. It doesn’t take much of your time, and we provide a comprehensive report that details any next actions. Get peace of mind for your property development or where you are acquiring property. Contact the team at Ashfield today.