The soiled environment: bubble, bubble, soil in trouble
Langley, A.J.
Medical Journal of Australia 177(11-12): 599-603
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-729X PMID: 12463976 Document Number: 547176
This paper discusses the most common toxic soil contaminants and identifies the potential or contaminated sites (related to mineral bodies, mining or smelting, and principal contaminants) in Australia. Human may potentially be exposed to polluted soil through direct soil ingestion, inhalation, dermal absorption, and through food and water contamination. Clinical appraisal and biomarker utilization (e.g. blood lead level) are briefly discussed. Finally, the role of clinical management in identifying exposure pathways and in preventing or minimizing further exposure, and of environmental management in the assessment and remediation of contaminated sites are discussed.