ISO DIS 15800

Description / Abstract: This document provides guidance on the kind and extent of soil characterisation necessary for the evaluation of human exposure to substances present in the soil that could cause adverse effects.

It does not provide guidance on:

— the design or selection of numerical models that can be used to estimate exposure;

— potential exposure to radioactivity, pathogens or asbestos in soil.

NOTE 1 Overall exposure can be to potential harmful substances (PHSs) in soil, groundwater and air. Exposure to those in soil may be direct (e.g. through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact), or indirect (through consumption of plants or animals that have taken up substances of concern).

NOTE 2 The evaluation of the possible impact on human health of potentially harmful substances is most commonly required when these are present as a result of human activity (e.g. on old industrial sites) but can sometimes be required when they are present naturally (e.g. in highly mineralised areas).

NOTE 3 Soil characterization leads to soil quality assessment. The compatibility between soil and its use has to be assessed. Tools can be used to aid this assessment such a conceptual site model (CSM) and health risk assessment.

NOTE 4 Soil characterizations are help development of an overview of population exposure. Other international standards are available that can be helpful to characterization of other media (e.g. surface and groundwater), as possible way of contamination for humans.