This article will explore the possible side effects of soil pollution on human health and the solutions to reduce soil pollution.

What is soil pollution?

Soil Pollution refers to high concentrations of toxic chemicals in the soil that can threaten human health and the ecosystem. Even when contaminants naturally in soil are not in high concentrations, soil pollution is still said to occur if the levels of contaminants in the soil are higher than those that should be naturally present. Such contaminants include salts like phosphates, carbonates, sulfates, and many organic compounds like lipids, proteins, fatty acids, et cetera. 

Impact of soil pollution on human health

Soil pollution poses a risk to everyone, especially people who have direct contact with soil like farmers, construction workers, and miners are at a greater risk of severe health problems. The three common ways humans are exposed to soil materials are ingestion of fruits and vegetables without adequate washing, respiration, and skin absorption or penetration. Soil contaminated naturally or through anthropogenic activities with toxic amounts of chemical substances when ingested or inhaled, may lead to human toxicity. Lead is the most significant soil contaminant and has been concerned with effects, especially on children and adolescents, and can lead to lead poisoning. The long-term effects of soil pollution on humans are unknown, but short-term health problems include headaches, coughing, chest pain, nausea, and skin and eye irritation. Efforts are still underway to understand the long-term complications on health.

Ways to reduce soil pollution

There are a plethora of ways to help reduce and prevent soil contamination, as mentioned below:-

1. There should be an assessment and implementation of sustainable land and soil management with the help of local communities and indigenous people.
2. Recycle batteries properly
3. eat sustainable food
4. Better urban planning and transport Infrastructure
5. Produce homemade compost 

References

soil

PMC5800787

i9183en.pdf

Soil Pollution - Definition, Causes, Types, Effects, and ... - Byju'shttps://byjus.com › Chemistry › Environmental Chemistry

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