Generic and site-specific criteria in assessment of human health risk from contaminated soil

Abstract. Previous industrial and waste disposal activities and natural processes have led to elevated concentrations of harmful substances in soil. Risk-based land management requires the risk posed by such substances to be managed. Generic assessment criteria offer a simple and efficient but often over-cautious approach to human health risk assessment. Site-specific assessment criteria reduce over-conservatism but require extra time and effort to determine. Generic assessment criteria should represent contaminant concentrations below which there is no unacceptable risk to human health. Consistent definitions, application and interpretation are essential prerequisites for fostering and maintaining stakeholder confidence in risk-based land management.