Environmental Health: Soil Quality

Sometimes there are harmful chemicals in the soil that can make it unsafe for us to use it—either because the chemicals can enter the body when we touch the soil or because they can enter our homes. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) evaluates sites to determine how certain chemicals can affect our health.

Ways chemicals in the soil can enter the body

• Pesticides in private wells
• Brownfields
• Recycled Rubber Playground Cover, P-00193 (PDF)

Ways chemicals in the soil can enter the home

• Former manufactured gas plants
• Vapor intrusion

Check out our chemical list if you’d like to learn about a specific chemical.

If you have more questions, email dhsenvhealth@dhs.wisconsin.gov.