Health risk assessment and management of contaminated sites in Australia

Chapters 1 to 8 emphasize the adverse effects of contaminants on the soil and water environment. In this chapter the health risk assessment and management of contaminated sites are discussed with particular emphasis on Australia. There has been increasing concern over the assessment and management of contaminated sites in the Australasia-Pacific region over the last 10 years. This arises from community concerns about potential health risks, increasing urban redevelopment where old industrial sites may be reused for residential developments, and an increasing need by administrative authorities to ensure effective and cost conscious remediation of considerable numbers of sites affected usually by anthropogenic activities.