Soil contamination and human health : A major challenge for global soil security

Abstract : This chapter aims to demonstrate, by several illustrated examples, that human health should be considered as a major challenge of global soil security by emphasizing the fact that (a) soil contamination is a worldwide issue; estimations can be done based on local contamination but the extent and content of diffuse contamination is largely unknown; (b) although soil is able to store, filter, and reduce contamination, it can also transform and make accessible soil contaminants and their metabolites, contributing then to human health impacts. The future scientific and societal challenges related to soil-human health studies and soil security dimensions are discussed based on current programs and literature review.