Soil toxicants that potentially affect children's health

Abstract

Soil pollution is a global phenomenon, and children are uniquely susceptible to the wide range of toxicants that persist in topsoil. Given their increased exposure through mouthing activities, increased body surface area, likelihood of breathing air closer to soil, and immature immune and elimination systems, it is essential to understand the mechanisms of children's exposure and the potential health effects of toxicants found in soil. Here we describe the sources and toxicological profiles of a range of inorganic and organic soil contaminants, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes, chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as well as agricultural and domestic sources of pollution. The aim of this article is to increase awareness regarding the risks and health impacts of contaminated soil, and to encourage further research and efforts aimed at mitigating children's exposure.