Brian Barton
Soil pollution is a growing threat to human health and food security, with far-reaching consequences for the environment and human well-being. It is caused primarily by human activities such as industrialization, war, mining, agriculture, and urbanization, which introduce contaminants into the soil, reducing its fertility and ability to yield food. While the exact percentage of soil pollution worldwide is unknown, it is estimated that 14 to 17% of cropland is affected by toxic metal pollution, and approximately 0.9 to 1.4 billion people reside in regions with heightened ecological and health risks. Soil pollution has garnered increasing attention from organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), who are working to address this global issue and its impact on human health, agriculture, and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of global cropland affected by toxic metal pollution | 14% to 17% |
| Estimated number of people living in regions of heightened public health and ecological risks due to toxic metal pollution | 0.9 to 1.4 billion |
| Percentage of global deaths caused by diseases associated with pollution in 2015 | 16% |
| Percentage of global deaths caused by diseases, AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined in 2015 | ~5.33% |
| Percentage of average per capita calorie consumption worldwide from crops grown directly in soil | 78% |
| Percentage of average per capita calorie consumption worldwide from terrestrial food sources that rely indirectly on soil | 20% |
| Percentage of global soil degradation caused by soil contamination | 33% |
| Percentage of chemical pesticides targeted for reduction by the zero pollution action plan by 2030 | 50% |
| Percentage of hazardous pesticides targeted for reduction by the zero pollution action plan by 2030 | 50% |
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What You'll Learn
Soil pollution and health
Soil pollution is a critical issue that poses significant risks to both environmental sustainability and human health. It is caused primarily by human activities, including the use of industrial chemicals, agrochemicals, domestic and municipal waste, and petroleum-derived products. Soil pollution has far-reaching consequences, threatening food security, ecosystem health, and human well-being.
Soil is essential for human health in numerous ways. Firstly, it is crucial for food production, as approximately 78% of the average per capita calorie consumption worldwide comes from crops grown directly in the soil, with an additional 20% derived from terrestrial food sources that rely indirectly on soil. Healthy soils provide nutritious food by supporting diverse ecosystems and critical ecological services such as pollination. Moreover, healthy soils play a vital role in water regulation, preventing floods and waterborne diseases, and they capture carbon, helping to mitigate global climate change.
The contamination of soil with toxic pollutants can lead to a reduction in crop yields and the production of unsafe food for human and animal consumption. Soil pollution also affects soil fertility, threatening food security, which is essential for human survival. Pollutants in the soil can enter the food chain, leading to the consumption of contaminated food and water, which poses direct risks to human health. Additionally, direct exposure to contaminated soil through skin contact or inhalation of dust can also occur, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
The health impacts of soil pollution are wide-ranging. Soil polluted with heavy metals, pesticides, biological pathogens, and micro/nanoplastic particles can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. For example, inorganic arsenic exposure from rice intake has been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Soil pollution can also contribute to the propagation of antimicrobial resistance genes, reducing the effectiveness of antimicrobial pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, more than 60% of pollution-related diseases are non-communicable, including metabolic and mental health disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, depression, and anxiety disorders.
The issue of soil pollution has gained global attention, with organisations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leading initiatives to address this growing challenge. The FAO's Revised World Soil Charter recommends that governments implement regulations to limit the accumulation of contaminants in the soil, protect human health, and promote sustainable practices to improve soil management. These efforts are crucial to ensure food security and safeguard the health and well-being of current and future generations.
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Soil pollution and food security
Soil pollution is a chemical degradation process that affects fertile soils, with implications for global food security and human health. Soil is the most valuable resource for humans, as human life depends on the soil's output. Soil degradation poses a threat to food security, as it reduces crop yield, forces farmers to use more inputs, and may eventually lead to soil abandonment. Soil pollution is caused by the chemicals used in or produced as byproducts of industrial activities, domestic, livestock, and municipal wastes (including wastewater), agrochemicals, and petroleum-derived products. The use of pesticides increased by 75% between 2000 and 2017, with about 109 million tonnes of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers applied worldwide in 2018. The global annual production of industrial chemicals has doubled to approximately 2.3 billion tonnes since the beginning of the 21st century and is projected to increase by 85% by 2030.
The Global Assessment of Soil Pollution, coordinated by the FAO's GSP, the ITPS, and UNEP, found that soil pollution has serious implications for agri-food systems and human health due to their long-term environmental impact. Soil pollution crosses all borders and compromises the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. It also affects water regulation, nutrient recycling, food production, climate change, and the biodiversity of terrestrial ecosystems. The assessment emphasized the need for prevention to stop a worsening situation, calling for the establishment of a Global Soil Pollution Information and Monitoring System, stronger legal frameworks, and initiatives to foster technical cooperation and capacity development.
The report found that soil pollution adversely impacts food security in two ways: it can reduce crop yields due to toxic levels of contaminants, and crops grown in polluted soils are unsafe for consumption by animals and humans. Soil pollution is a critical issue that requires an urgent global response. FAO’s Revised World Soil Charter recommends that national governments implement regulations on soil pollution and limit the accumulation of contaminants beyond established levels to guarantee human health and wellbeing, a healthy environment, and safe food. Soil protection is of utmost importance to ensure the success of future agri-food systems, ecosystem restoration, and all lives on earth.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are working together to address soil pollution and boost soil health to meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative is a global call to action to scale up restoration of terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems over the next 10 years. This includes promoting sustainable practices to improve soil management and restore soil health to ensure the food security and wellbeing of future generations.
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Soil pollution and the environment
Soil pollution is a chemical degradation process that consumes fertile soils, affecting soil fertility and food security. It is caused by human activities such as industrial waste, agrochemicals, and the use of pesticides and other toxic chemicals. Soil pollution has severe consequences for the environment, human health, and well-being.
Soil is essential for food production, with approximately 78% of the average per capita calorie consumption worldwide coming from crops grown directly in the soil. Soil pollution can reduce crop yields and make crops unsafe for human and animal consumption. It also affects the quality of our food by allowing soil pollutants to enter our bodies through the food chain, causing illnesses. For example, inorganic arsenic exposure from rice intake has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
In addition to the direct impact on food security, soil pollution also contributes to land degradation and biodiversity loss. Healthy soils play a crucial role in retaining and filtering water, and they are essential for the production of biomass, fibre, and certain medicines. Soil pollution hampers the achievement of sustainable development goals, including ensuring zero hunger, ending poverty, and protecting human health and well-being.
The effects of soil pollution disproportionately impact vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, as well as poorer households that are more likely to live close to industrial sites and be exposed to contaminated soils. It is estimated that human exposure to soil pollution contributes to more than 500,000 premature deaths globally each year.
Soil pollution is a global issue, particularly in regions like Europe, Eurasia, Asia, and North Africa. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and its partners are working to address this issue through initiatives like the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, which aims to scale up the restoration of terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems.
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Soil pollution and antimicrobial resistance
Soil pollution is a critical issue that poses a significant threat to global health and well-being. It arises from various anthropogenic sources, including industrial activities, domestic and agricultural waste, agrochemicals, and petroleum-derived products. Soil is essential for food production, providing approximately 78% of the average per capita calorie consumption worldwide. However, soil pollution can reduce crop yields and render crops unsafe for human and animal consumption.
Soil pollution has adverse effects on soil fertility and biodiversity, leading to food security concerns and threatening human health. It is estimated that soil pollution contributes to over 500,000 premature deaths globally each year, with vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly being particularly at risk. Additionally, the health impacts of soil pollution disproportionately affect poorer households, who are more likely to reside near industrial sites and be exposed to contaminated soils.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical issue within the context of soil pollution and human health. AMR is the result of natural evolution, where selective pressure exerted by certain environments and organisms leads to the development of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). These ARGs can be present in soil microorganisms, posing a potential health risk to humans and animals. The propagation of AMR genes in soil can increase human resistance to antimicrobial pharmaceuticals, compromising our ability to effectively manage infectious diseases.
Studies have shown that urban soils, influenced by anthropogenic activities, exhibit higher levels of antibiotic alteration or inactivation and target replacement. This highlights the importance of adopting a dual molecular and culturomics approach to monitor antibiotic resistance in urban parks and gain a comprehensive understanding of the diffusion and impact of AMR. Additionally, the impact of pollutants and agricultural practices on the abundance of ARGs in soils is a growing area of research.
The presence of antibiotics in soil environments, whether from veterinary or human sources, is a significant concern. Antibiotics play a crucial role in managing infectious diseases in humans, animals, and aquaculture worldwide. However, their presence in soil can lead to the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and genes. This transfer of antibiotic resistance among microbial populations in soil poses risks of animal and human infection, underscoring the need for a multiple-sector approach to address AMR.
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Soil pollution and human development
Soil pollution is a chemical degradation process that affects fertile soils worldwide, threatening food security and human health. While the exact percentage of the world affected by soil pollution is unclear, it is evident that it is a global issue with severe consequences. Soil pollution is caused primarily by human activities, including industrial activities, domestic and agricultural waste, agrochemicals, and petroleum-derived products. These pollutants contaminate soils, reducing their ability to yield safe and nutritious food crops, which has a direct impact on human health and well-being.
Soil is essential for human health and development. Approximately 78% of the average per capita calorie consumption worldwide comes directly from crops grown in the soil, with another 20% coming from terrestrial food sources that rely on soil. Therefore, soil pollution's impact on crop production and food security has serious repercussions for human development. Reduced crop yields and unsafe crops can lead to food scarcity, malnutrition, and even famine in extreme cases.
Moreover, soil pollution contributes to environmental degradation, which further affects human development. Soil pollution can lead to land degradation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution as pollutants wash into rivers. These issues disrupt ecosystems and ecological services, such as pollination, water regulation, and climate change mitigation. For example, healthy soil stores water, preventing floods, and captures carbon, slowing global climate change. Thus, soil pollution's impact on the environment has indirect consequences for human development, including increased climate change impacts and reduced ecosystem resilience.
The impact of soil pollution on human health is also a critical aspect of human development. Soil pollution can lead to increased exposure to toxic chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants. These pollutants have been linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, asthma, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Additionally, soil pollution can result in food crop contamination and disease, further threatening human health and development.
Addressing soil pollution is crucial for promoting human development. This includes implementing regulations and better soil management practices to limit agricultural pollution and contaminant accumulation. Initiatives like the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) aim to restore terrestrial ecosystems and improve soil health. Additionally, urban agriculture has been proposed as a potential solution, contributing to food security, poverty alleviation, community development, and environmental sustainability. By addressing soil pollution and promoting sustainable soil management, we can support human development and work towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Frequently asked questions
Soil pollution is a global issue, with approximately one-third of the world's soil already affected by both intense and moderate degradation.
Soil pollution is a major threat to human health and well-being. It is estimated to cause over 500,000 premature deaths globally each year, with vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly being the most affected. Soil pollution can lead to various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, and can also contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance, reducing the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals.
Soil pollution is primarily caused by human activities, including industrial processes, domestic and agricultural waste, agrochemicals, and the use of petroleum-derived products. These activities introduce toxic chemicals and contaminants into the soil, degrading its quality and fertility.
Addressing soil pollution requires a coordinated effort from governments, communities, and individuals. The implementation of regulations and better soil management practices is essential to limit agricultural pollution and reduce the accumulation of contaminants. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other organizations are working to raise awareness, encourage sustainable practices, and promote the restoration of degraded ecosystems.
