I recently had clients go under contract with a large parcel of land and they wanted to make sure what they were purchasing wasn’t contaminated land. This led us to using Katahdin analytics in Scarborough to do some soil testing for them, and also to come up with this months topic!
When considering real estate investments, whether for residential, commercial, or agricultural purposes, it's crucial to ensure that the land you're investing in is safe and healthy. One often overlooked aspect of land assessment is testing the soil for contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These pollutants can pose significant risks to human health, wildlife, and the environment, potentially leading to costly remediation efforts and even legal liabilities.
Heavy Metals in Soil
Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury are naturally occurring elements but can be hazardous when present in high concentrations. These metals can enter the soil through industrial activities, past use of pesticides, or even from urban runoff. In residential areas, particularly those near older homes or industrial sites, the presence of lead, often used in paints, can be a significant concern. For properties near former industrial sites, testing for arsenic or cadmium may be necessary. Heavy metal contamination can lead to soil degradation, affect plant growth, and pose serious health risks if ingested, particularly in children and pregnant women. Regular soil testing helps identify these risks early, ensuring that any necessary remediation is done before construction or habitation.
Pesticides and Herbicides
Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are often used in agriculture and residential landscaping. Over time, these chemicals can accumulate in the soil, creating a potential long-term hazard. Even properties that have not been farmed or treated with chemicals for years may still show traces of these substances. Certain pesticides, especially organochlorines like DDT, can persist in the soil for decades, continuing to pose health risks. As real estate development increasingly focuses on repurposing older agricultural or industrial sites, testing for pesticide residues becomes critical to ensure the land is safe for new uses. For instance, even if the land is intended for residential construction, leftover pesticides can contaminate groundwater or pose health risks through direct exposure.
PFAS: The "Forever Chemicals"
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products, such as non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam. PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment, leading to long-term contamination of soil, water, and air. These chemicals can accumulate in the human body and have been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system disruption. Real estate properties near airports, military bases, or industrial facilities that have used firefighting foam should be tested for PFAS contamination. With growing awareness of PFAS risks, buyers and investors should insist on testing soil for these chemicals before proceeding with a purchase, particularly when the property is near known sources of contamination.
Why Testing Matters
While contamination might not be visible on the surface, the effects on human health and the environment can be severe. Testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and PFAS is essential for identifying these
