What are naturally occurring contaminants?
Some areas of the United Kingdom have naturally elevated levels of certain substances in the soil (e.g. metals), which may pose a risk to human health and the environment. These contaminants arise as part of the natural weathering of rock that is present in the ground. In extensive areas of Derbyshire Dales soils have elevated concentrations of naturally occurring lead (Pb). Extensive areas of Northamptonshire have elevated concentrations of naturally occurring arsenic, associated with the Northamptonshire Ironstone that underlies much of the county.
