The Impact of Soil Pollution

Geography

• Soil pollution doesn't just impact the area around industrial and commercial centers but can be delivered to residential yards and gardens through rain and runoff. Typically, the longer it takes pollutants to degrade, the farther they can travel.

Time Frame

• The impacts of soil pollution might not be seen for years after contamination has occurred. Depending on the amount of contaminants present, it can take years for pollution to build up to the point where it makes people sick. Many of the pollutants that are not broken down by soil cannot be broken down by the human body, either, and only accumulate over time.

Warning

• If soil pollution is not cleaned up or continues to accumulate at unsafe levels, it may begin to leech into any food crops grown in the polluted soil, making them dangerous to eat. Pollution often travels with the water in the soil, which means it is often absorbed by plants.

Considerations

• Small children can be at particular risk from soil pollution, especially those who play outside. Smaller bodies are more susceptible to concentrations of pollution, and children who play in the dirt can be exposed to a high amount of pollution.