The soil is a complex mixture made up of minerals, organic matter, water, and other substances. The soil, in its original state, was a natural, uncontaminated material that covered the earth. In some places, however, humans have accidentally or intentionally poured toxic substances onto the soil, thereby paving the way for a variety of health problems for animals, plants, and humans. Professionals conduct different testing methods such as ASTM D6550 to determine the soil contamination rate.
A soil contaminant is defined as any substance found in soil that is higher than the naturally occurring levels to what could pose risk to human health. Here are some of the leading diseases that are the direct byproduct of soil contamination:
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Cancer
Pesticides and fertilizers often contain benzene, mercury, and other chemicals that can cause cancer. These compounds are also found in herbicides that are used to kill weeds. The chemicals can seep into the soil, accumulate and cause soil pollution when they are applied to crops or fields. Consumption of such contaminated crops can reduce the production of red, white, and antibody-producing cells in the blood, which tends to affect immunity big time.
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Brain And Nerve Injury
Children could be exposed to the negative effects of soil contamination in places such as parks and playgrounds. Lead-contaminated soil is likely to cause neuromuscular and brain problems.
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Skin And Stomach Infections
If soil amasses in the fingers, it might eventually get into the body. Ingestion of soil containing germs can lead to amoebiasis or acute stomach infection. It is crucial to properly wash vegetables before they are cooked or eaten. To avoid these infections, you should practice good hygiene. So much so, even eye irritation can be caused by soil contamination. Polluted soil may also lead to skin infections such as ringworm and rashes if it comes into direct contact with the skin. We would not have come to terms with these details without series 4000 SFC.
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Malaria
Water pollution is closely linked to soil pollution. Together, they can create a deadly combination. Sludge can be formed when water is polluted by soil or vice versa. Malaria is caused by protozoa found in the sludge. Not to mention polluted soil can have a devastating effect on areas with heavy rainfall and where sewage water is mixed with the soil. The likelihood of the spread of malaria increases to a great degree if the water occupies the polluted soil for a prolonged period.
ASTM D6550 testing reveals that some sites are particularly prone to have contaminated soil. Which ones are they? We are mentioning them in the following section:
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Sites Frequently Exploited For Industrial And Manufacturing Purposes
Many contaminants can be found in industrial and manufacturing areas. However, the factory’s product will determine the type of contamination. Chemicals can leach onto the soil through trucks or buildings. Sometimes, a factory might have a waste storage area or holding area that was once safe but is now a problem. Indeed, a vast majority of industrial and manufacturing sites happen to be very large. But, to ensure full protection, soil remediation is compulsory.
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Highways And Parking Lots
Urban landscapes are populated by vehicles. There are thousands of trucks and cars parked along major highways. We heavily rely on our vehicles to get us from point A to point B. Although they can be helpful in moving around, high levels of vehicles pose significant contaminant risk owing to the fluid leaks and emissions. Lead is a substance found in high concentrations in areas that have heavy traffic emissions. Petroleum or oil leaks from roads and parking lots can also be splashed onto soils nearby.
