SOLACE – Understanding the links between SOiL pollution and CancEr
Soil pollution is a major environmental and health concern in Europe, with potential links to cancer. The SOLACE research project aimed to explore the complex relationships between soil properties, pollution, land use, and human health. This project, which is part of the Joint Research Centre's (JRC) strategic scientific development, provides a foundation for further research and policy development.
May 6, 2025
The 2025 SOLACE report presents a framework with four key objectives:
Understanding Soil Pollution in EU Soils: The SOLACE project investigates the link between soil pollution and cancer using statistical analyses and GIS, identifying industrial activities, urbanization, agriculture, and military operations as primary causes. It evaluates urban soil threats, assesses heavy metal concentrations using the LUCAS topsoil survey, and models arsenic contamination, highlighting high-risk areas.
Analysing Associations Between Soil Pollution and Cancer Outcomes: A comprehensive literature review uncovers gaps in knowledge about the soil pollution-cancer link. An ecological study across 26 EU countries reveals associations between regional lung cancer mortality rates and soil pollution with arsenic and cadmium, identifying the most polluted regions and correlating them with higher lung cancer rates.
Enhancing the Zero Pollution Action Plan Clean Soil Outlook: The project develops a model to evaluate the impact of soil pollutants on human health, incorporating crop and pollutant maps, and reviewing the current plan to identify pollutant pathways into the food chain.
Revising the Sewage Sludge Directive: This objective evaluates the impact of sewage sludge on soil and human health, using GIS to manage updated soil conditions and estimate risks from pollutant loads in the food chain.
The SOLACE project emphasizes the need for continued investment in research, monitoring, and policy development to address the complex issues surrounding soil pollution and its impact on human health. The achievements of the SOLACE project support the goals of the JRC by contributing to soil-related directives like the Soil Monitoring Law and the Zero Pollution Action Plan.
For a comprehensive look at these findings and recommendations, be sure to read the full report here.
Webinar 1 – 2026 The Australian PFAS Cauldron – Same Contaminants, Different Journey
Australia offers a highly relevant case study of how PFAS contamination challenges conventional approaches to environmental governance and risk assessment. This perspective was presented by Matthew Askeland, Principal Environmental Scientist at ADE Consulting Group, and Karl Bowles, Senior Principal Environmental Scientist at Jacobs and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Queensland (QAEHS), both representing ALGA’s Emerging Contaminants of Concern Special Interest Group.
Webinar 2 – 2026 Drivers in the management of PFAS contaminated sites
Sweden has taken a proactive, science-based approach to managing PFAS-contaminated sites, particularly those originating from historical use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) at firefighting training areas. Since 2022, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has coordinated a governmental assignment, in collaboration with other authorities, to enhance understanding of PFAS pollution and develop effective remediation strategies. This work remains ongoing with several years of funding secured. Niclas Johansson, project manager for the Swedish government’s national initiative on PFAScontaminated sites (RUPFO), shared the project findings during the webinar.
Webinar 3 – 2026 PFAS Risk Evaluation in Soils and Excavated Materials in Flanders
Flanders has developed a practical, science-driven system for setting PFAS limits in soil and excavated materials. This approach carefully balances the protection of human health and the environment with the practical need for soil reuse. The framework was presented by Kaat Touchant and Ingeborg Joris from VITO the Flemish institute for technological research.
Webinar 4 – 2026 Emerging Contaminant Challenges in the New European Soil Monitoring Law
The European Soil Monitoring Law (Directive), published in the Official Journal on 26 November 2025 and entering into force on 16 December 2025 was presented by Esther Goidts, who is a soil scientist and seconded policy officer at the European Commission. Soils deliver critical ecosystem services—including food and biomass production, water purification, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity support—yet most European soils are degraded, with contamination contributing to annual economic costs exceeding €50 billion. The Directive represents a landmark step toward achieving healthy soils across the European Union by 2050. Developed to address widespread soil degradation, the Directive establishes a coherent, integrated framework for monitoring soil health, enhancing resilience, and managing contamination.
Save the date for the EmConSoil Webinar Series on the 21st and 28th of April and the 5th and 12th of May!
A new EmConSoil webinar series is coming! Get ready for inspiring talks, cutting-edge insights, and practical solutions from leading experts in emerging contaminants, contaminated soils and environmental sustainability. Four sessions are planned at the end of April (21st and 28th) and beginning of May (5th and 12th) 2026 each time from 9:00 till 10:00 CET.
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