People can be exposed to hazardous substances on contaminated land via direct contact with contaminated soil, swallowing food or water from contaminated environments, and breathing vapours or contaminated dust. Exposure to hazardous substances can have significant adverse effects on health and on soil, surface water, groundwater, and ecosystems.
As of November 2012, Environment Canterbury had identified 3524 sites in Canterbury that are potentially contaminated due to their current or former use. There may be additional contaminated sites that have not yet been identified, especially where past land-use information is unavailable. There are also likely to be many thousands of older residential properties in Christchurch with some degree of contamination from lead-based paint, asbestos, gardening/pesticide use, and home business/hobby activities.
Read the full issue summary on contaminated land [PDF] - last updated December 2012.