Why are contaminants harmful

Under the program, all states and territories with approved coastal zone management programs are required to develop and implement coastal programs to reduce the amount of nonpoint source pollution entering our waterways. Did you know that YOU could be contributing to some of the pollution that reaches our waterways?

There are many things all of us can do to reduce contaminants in our environment, including:. Eighty percent of pollution to the marine environment comes from the land.

One of the biggest sources is called nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff. Contaminants in the Environment. Plant grass, trees, and shrubs in bare areas to reduce and absorb runoff, reduce erosion, and improve habitat. Properly dispose of pet waste, motor oil and household chemicals. Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly on lawns and gardens. Keep trash out of storm drains, where it will clog up the drain or end up in the nearest stream or lake.

Organize neighborhood cleanups. Maintain your car to prevent oil leaks. In this case, dust may blow from the contaminated site and pollute the once uncontaminated soil. Industrial and manufacturing sites often have a range of contaminants polluting their soils.

The type of contaminant will depend on what the factory was producing. Contamination can occur when chemicals leak out onto the soil from buildings or trucks. Other times, the factory may have a waste stockpile or holding area that was once considered safe but now known to be a pollution problem.

Industrial sites can also be quite large. This makes full-site soil remediation an expensive and challenging, but necessary, task. Landfills, junkyards and waste disposal sites pose high risk of soil contamination, much like industrial sites.

These areas often contain a large mix of contaminant types like lead, arsenic, and petroleum products. All are dangerous to human safety on their own. When combined, they may react with each other to create even more toxic compounds. Containment and remediation of these areas are costly, technically complex, and logistically challenging.

Vehicles are ubiquitous in the urban landscape. We see thousands of cars and trucks spread along highway corridors, crammed into parking lots, and packed onto major roads with heavy traffic.

Our vehicles get us from point A to point B; we are often very dependent upon them. Though they may help us in getting around, areas with high concentrations of vehicles pose a lot of contaminant risks, both from emissions and fluid leaks. For example, presence of lead can be high in areas with heavy traffic emissions, and petroleum or oil leaks on roads or parking lots can be washed onto nearby soils.

Household sites may not be an obvious site for soil contamination. But soils can get contaminated during housing construction.

Petroleum products from the construction vehicles can leak. Paint may spill. Fibers from roofing products can blow down and disrupt life in soil. These are just a few examples of construction contamination of soils on home sites. Additionally, homeowners may also inadvertently contaminate their soil. Overuse of pesticides or herbicides is the primary culprit.

Sometimes chemically treated wood is used in landscaping. If not used properly, this can contaminate the soil as well as the plant and microbial life it sustains.

Also, overuse of winter salt can harm your soils. In the United States, many pesticides were composed of lead-arsenate between and As a result, lead is found in the soil of remnant farms today.

In addition, there has been extensive development and production of herbicides since the s. These chemicals need to be used properly; improper use can harm the soil, plant, and even human health. The use of high-load fertilizer applications may leave contamination in soils, depending on the crop and fertilizer type used.

Our soil scientists have written further information about specific soil contaminants listed below. Breadcrumb Home About Soils. What are soil contaminants? Section Menu. What Are Toxic Air Pollutants? Toxic air pollutants pose different risks to health depending on the specific pollutant, including: Cancer, including lung, kidney, bone, stomach Harm to the nervous system and brain Birth defects Irritation to the eyes, nose and throat Coughing and wheezing Impaired lung function Harm to the cardiovascular system Reduced fertility How Are People Exposed to These Pollutants?

Find information about air toxics in your community EPA has two nationwide databases that provide information on emissions near you. National Air Toxics Assessment — This site reports on 33 air toxics that EPA rates as the greatest threat to public health in the largest number of urban areas.

Available information includes maps and lists by state or county level. Toxics Release Inventory — Type in your zip code and learn about releases of toxic chemicals into the environment through the air, water, and land from manufacturing facilities. For more information: U.

Toxic Substances Portal. Make a Donation Your tax-deductible donation funds lung disease and lung cancer research, new treatments, lung health education, and more. Make a Donation. Sign Up for Email Updates Join over , people who receive the latest news about lung health, including COVID, research, air quality, inspiring stories and resources.