Soil contamination results from a number of causes, including the dumping of hazardous substances, pesticide and fertilizer use, and industrial or chemical processes. Pollutants in soils can also be transported to groundwater sources and into the air. Contaminated soils are often a major concern at Brownfields and Superfund sites. Common soil contaminants include arsenic, benzene, cyanide, lead and mercury. The EPA teams with state and local authorities to assess the level of contamination in soils and develop new soil cleansing technologies. The agency is also active in promoting alternatives to reduce soil contamination for the industrial and agricultural sectors.
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