HOW CAN I REDUCE MY EXPOSURE TO CONTAMINANTS IN SOIL?

How can I be exposed to contaminants in soil?

People can be exposed by breathing contaminated dust, swallowing or touching contaminated soil, and eating food grown in contaminated soil. Children who live and play in a contaminated area can have more exposure. Preschool-age children are more likely to be exposed to contaminants in soil because of their frequent hand-to-mouth activity. Dust from contaminated soil can be tracked into the house on shoes and can end up on indoor surfaces and toys.

What can I do to reduce or prevent exposure to contaminants in soil?

If there is contaminated soil around your home, you should take the following measures to protect your family from exposure:

1) Practice good personal hygiene habits.

• Wash children’s hands and faces often, especially before eating and bed time. Keep their fingernails clean and short. Adults should wash their hands before feeding their children, smoking, eating or drinking. Discourage children from placing fingers and non-food items in their mouths.
  
  
• Keep toys or objects that children put in their mouths clean.

2) Practice good housekeeping techniques.

• Take your shoes off when coming in your home to prevent tracking contaminated soil inside. Store outdoor shoes at entry ways.
  
  
• Vacuum carpeting, rugs and upholstery often. Regular vacuuming will keep dust from building up.

3) Create barriers to contaminated soil.

• Ensure that new soil is not contaminated. Do not disturb contaminated soil on windy days or when children or pregnant women are present.
  
  
• Removing debris, turning the soil over, sodding, covering with plastic or cement or excavating and disposing of contaminated soil will reduce exposure. The area should be kept moist while working with the soil to keep dust from forming.
  
  
• Keep windows closed on windy days, at least on side of the house where wind blows in. This will help to keep dust from being blown inside. Fences, bushes and grass help reduce movement of contaminated soil.
  
  
• Thoroughly wash garden vegetables before eating them.

4) Do not let children play or dig in contaminated soil.

• Build a sandbox with a bottom and fill it with clean sand to give children a safe play area.
  
  
• Keep the sand box securely covered when not in use to prevent contaminated soil from blowing in.

Where can I get more information?

Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Environmental Health
525 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield , IL 62761
217-782-5830
TTY (hearing impaired use only) 800-547-0466

This fact sheet was supported in part by funds from the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act Trust Fund through a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.