Contaminated Soil

Contamination of soil occurs when a hazardous material, whether liquid, solid or airborne, bonds to soil. It then puts individuals at risk for exposure to these contaminants.

Soil contamination may also occur as a peripheral effect of ground water contamination, aggravated by flooding or improper waste water disposal. Any living thing, including humans, animals and plants, can easily absorb the toxic contaminants with contact of the contaminated soil or water.

A variety of chemicals or heavy metals can contaminate and pollute soil. Again, the types of exposure are dermal contact (e.g. gardening), inhalation (breathing dust particles), or ingestion (eating items grown in impure soil).

The sources of water and soil contamination are innumerable; however, the list that follows has been cited as a high risk for contaminating local environs:

. Machine shops.

. Railroad yards and other railroad-related work sites.

. Chemical manufacturing plants.

. Incinerators.

. Dry cleaning stores.

. Chemical or medical waste storage facilities.

. Nuclear power plants or testing facilities.

. Any manufacturing plant that uses any type of cleaning solvents or gasoline based products.

. Oil refineries.

. Landfills.

. Gas stations.

Accidental or intentional leaks and spills from any of the above organizations may allow toxic chemicals to seep into the soil or into ground aquifers or water tables. Once the chemicals have contaminated the soil or water, it is incredibly difficult to remove them. Soil may have to be removed from the site and treated, or neutralizing chemicals introduced into the polluted material.

Unfortunately, contaminated water and soil must be sequestered in order to stop contamination and exposure because the contaminated materials are unable to be treated. If water or soil contamination goes unnoticed and unsolved people with high exposures to the contaminants may develop chronic or terminal illnesses.

Continual exposre to contaminants may cause the following (not all symptoms are listed):

. Various forms of cancer (lung, bladder, brain, kidney, leukemia, lymphoma, skin cancer).

. Various forms of learning disability (ADD, ADHD, LD).

. Teratogenic effects (fetal health risks, miscarriages and birth defects).

. Reproductive effects or genetic damage from radiation.

. Respiratory effects (breathing difficulties, allergies and other similar conditions).

. Gastrointestinal effects (digestive conditions).

. Cardiovascular effects.

. Immune system deficiencies.

. Hepatic risks exist, including an array of liver diseases.

. Renal effects (various kidney effects including blood in the urine).

. Effects on the nervous system or various parts of the neurological system such as reflex defects/malfunctions or headaches may be affected. If an individual has reason for concern or the physical manifestations of symptoms they should contact a physician and/or the local authorities. There is no reason that anyone should have to consume unsafe water or live on dangerous land. Toxic tort law exists to protect people's rights and make sure they receive just compensation for others' negligent behavior.

Experiened Legal Counsel for Soil and Water Contamination

Are you or a loved one in need of legal assistance in your area regarding Soil and Water Contamination? It is important for you or someone you know who are in need of experienced legal advice regarding Soil and Water Contamination or a Soil and Water Contamination Lawsuit, to contact legal counsel and likely receive free Soil and Water Contamination legal advice.

Article Source: http://www.articlesolve.com

Soil and water contamination can be a serious risk to an individual's health. To learn more visit contamination.legalview.com/. Or for resources on other legal issues such as theCipro class action or Avandia side effects visit www.LegalView.com/.

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