Soil contamination is typically caused by industrial activity: chemicals used in industrial agriculture, or improperly disposed waste. Soil can also become contaminated when areas flood with groundwater contaminated with heavy metals or chemicals.

Chemical exposure can occur through direct contact with the contaminated soil, by coming into contact with vapors from the contaminants, or from secondary contamination of water supplies beneath the soil. Toxic exposure to chemicals in contaminated soil can occur in several ways:

• Skin contact – Walking on the soil or while gardening
• Inhalation – Creating dust in the yard or tracking dust into the home
• Ingestion – Eating fruits or vegetables grown in the contaminated soil

A number of toxic chemicals commonly found in contaminated soil can cause serious side effects, injuries and illnesses. They include substances like volatile organics, PFOA’s, chromium, lead, petroleum, solvents, pesticides, herbicides and benzene. Common health effects associated with exposure to contaminated soil include:

• Leukemia
• Kidney damage
• Liver toxicity
• Neuromuscular blockage
• Depression of the central nervous system
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Skin rash

If you have been exposed to environmental hazards due to contaminated soil and have experienced any of these symptoms or illnesses, you could be eligible to file a claim. Schedule a free consultation or phone a member of the Wilentz team today.