| MCL: MCL stands for Maximum Contaminant Level and is the US Environmental Protection Agency's "level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health."[1] EPA standards for human health risk in soil are relatively close to those set for drinking water.[2, PDF] On this website, secondary MCLs (those related to aesthetics such as water taste or smell) which are exceeded are marked in yellow, whereas primary MCLs (those related to health) which are exceeded are marked in red. Please note: There are no known soil "standards" on a state or federal level; there are only objectives or screening criteria and those vary with the source. EPA drinking water MCLs exist, however they may not be compared directly to the soil concentrations listed on this website. |
| IL EPA Soil Background Level: The standards used to compare soil samples are the Illinois EPA's background concentrations of inorganic chemicals in counties outside metropolitan statistical areas, as published in Section 742 Appendix A, Table G of Title 35 of the Illinois Administrative Code (starting on page 89 of this document). The standard states that "For each parameter whose sampling results demonstrate concentrations above those in Appendix A, Table G, the [responsible party] shall develop appropriate soil remediation objectives in accordance with this Part." The Illinois EPA considers these background standards an appropriate measure by which to compare soil samples. |
| Aluminum: Aluminum (Al) is the third most abundant element and the most abundant metal, in the Earth's crust.[1] It is not associated with health risks but an abundance of aluminum may cause "cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water" according to the US EPA.[2] |
| Antimony: Antimony (Sb) is a toxic chemical element commonly used in flame retardants and lead alloys.[1] According to the US EPA, excessive Antimony in drinking water can lead to an "Increase in blood cholesterol; decrease in blood sugar."[2] |
| Arsenic: Arsenic (As) is a chemical element notoriously poisonous to multicellular life.[1] According to the US EPA, people who ingest excessive Arsenic in drinking water may experience "skin damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer."[2] |
| Barium: Barium (Ba) is a chemical element with some industrial uses.[1] According to the US EPA, people who ingest excessive Barium in drinking water over a prolonged period of time may experience an increase in their blood pressure.[2] |
| Beryllium: Beryllium (Be) is a toxic chemical element with some industrial uses.[1] According to the US EPA, people who ingest excessive Beryllium in drinking water over a prolonged period of time may could develop intestinal lesions.[2] |
| Cadmium: Cadmium (Cd) is a chemical element which can result from zinc processing.[1] According to the US EPA, people who ingest excessive Cadmium in drinking water over a prolonged period of time may could develop kidney damage.[2] |
| Calcium: Calcium (Ca) is a chemical element commonly occuring within earth's crust.[1] The US EPA does not have any standards regarding the amount of calcium healthy to ingest in drinking water. |
| Chromium: Chromium (Cr) is a toxic chemical element which occurs naturally and can also be the result of various industrial processes.[1] According to the US EPA, "People who use water containing total chromium in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) over many years could experience allergic dermatitis."[2] |
| Cobalt: Cobalt (Co) is a chemical element which is sometimes used as a pigment due to its blue color.[1] The US EPA does not have any standards regarding the amount of cobalt healthy to ingest in drinking water. |
| Copper: Copper (Cu) is a chemical element commonly found in natural deposits such as ores containing other elements.[1] According to the US EPA, "Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level may, with short term exposure, experience gastrointestinal distress, and with long-term exposure may experience liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's Disease should consult their personal doctor if the amount of copper in their water exceeds the action level."[2] |
| Iron: Iron (Fe) is a commonly found element in the earth's crust.[1] It is not associated with health risks but an abundance of iron in drinking water may cause "may cause cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color)."[2] |
| Lead: Lead (Pb) is a soft malleable heavy metal associated with several health risks.[1] According to the US EPA, "Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure."[2] |
| Magnesium: Magnesium (Mg) is a chemical element commonly found in the earth's crust as well as human's bodies.[1] The US EPA does not have any standards regarding the amount of magnesium healthy to ingest in drinking water.[2] |
| Manganese: Manganese (Mn) is a chemical element found in many minerals and sometimes used to prevent rust and corrosion in steel.[1] It is not associated with health risks but an abundance of Manganese may cause "cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water" according to the US EPA.[2] |
| Mercury: Mercury (Hg) is a toxic chemical element that is sometimes the byproduct of chemical processes.[1] According to the US EPA, "Some people who drink water containing mercury well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could experience kidney damage."[2] |
| Nickel: Nickel (Ni) is a corrosive-resistant chemical element that is sometimes used in alloying, known for its silver color.[1] The US EPA does not have any standards regarding the amount of nickel healthy to ingest in drinking water. |
| Potassium: Potassium (K) is a soft metal that oxidizes rapidly in air and is very reactive when combined with water.[1] The US EPA does not have any standards regarding the amount of potassium healthy to ingest in drinking water. |
| Phosphorus: Phosphorus (P) is a chemical element essential for life.[1] The US EPA does not have any standards regarding the amount of phosphorus healthy to ingest in drinking water. |
| Selenium: Selenium (Se) is a chemical element sometimes used in electronics.[1] According to the US EPA, "Some people who drink water containing selenium well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could experience hair or fingernail losses, numbness in fingers or toes, or problems with their circulation."[2] |
| Silver: Silver (Ag) is a metallic chemical element often used in jewelry.[1] It is not associated with health risks but an abundance of silver may cause "cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water" according to the US EPA.[2] |
| Sodium: Sodium (Na) is a chemical element and the sixth most abundant element in the earth's crust, required for life.[1] The US EPA does not have any standards regarding the amount of phosphorus healthy to ingest in drinking water. |
| Thallium: Thallium (TI) is a highly toxic chemical element frequently used in the electronics industry and rat poisions and various insecticides.[1] According to the US EPA, "Some people who drink water containing thallium well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could experience hair loss, changes in their blood, or problems with their kidneys, intestines, or liver problems."[2] |
| Vanadium: Vanadium (V) is a chemical element occurring naturally in about 65 different minerals.[1] Although the US EPA does not currently provide guidance on how much vanadium is safe to ingest over a long period of time in drinking water, it is a chemical contaminant candidate and its inclusion in drinking water standards is currently under consideration.[2] |
| Zinc: Zinc (Zn) is a metallic chemical element with various industrial uses. It is commonly the byproduct industrial chemical processes as well.[1] It is not associated with health risks but an abundance of zinc may cause "cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water" according to the US EPA.[2] |
| Ammonia: Ammonia is a compound of hydrogen and nitrogen and its presence in concentrations above 0.1mg/L suggests the presence of domestic or agricultural sources of waste.[1],[2] According to the World Health Organization, "Ammonia is not of direct importance for health in the concentrations to be expected in drinking-water. A health-based guideline has therefore not been derived."[3] |
| Cyanide: Cyanide is a compound of carbon and nitrogen and is highly toxic.[1] According to the US EPA, "Some people who drink water containing cyanide well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could experience nerve damage or problems with their thyroid."[2] |
| Nitrate: Nitrate is a compound commonly found in fertilizers.[1] According to the US EPA, "Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome."[2] |
| Nitrite: Nitrite is a compound commonly found in fertilizers.[1] According to the US EPA, "Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome."[2] |
| Sulfate: Sulfate is a salt of sulfuric acid.[1] It is not associated with health risks but an abundance of aluminum may cause "cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water" according to the US EPA.[2] |
| pH: pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity.[1] It is not associated with health risks but drinking water outisde the normal pH zone of 6.5 to 8.5 may cause "cosmetic effects (such as skin or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water" according to the US EPA.[2] |
| Pesticides: Pesticides used in nearby agricultural work may filter into water sources and soil and is sometimes detected in the samples found on this website. |
| Other: Water and soil samples listed on this website may sometimes indicate that some other unnamed contaminant was tested for and detected. Since this contaminant varies and may not be specified, it is not listed on this site. |