Land is contaminated if it contains substances on it, in it or under it that could present a significant risk of harm to human health and the wider environment, including:

• water resources
• local ecosystems
• buildings

The best way to contact us and report contaminated land is to use our online form. .

Report contaminated land

Causes of contamination

Historic uses that may have caused land to become contaminated can include:

• storage of petroleum spirit
• chemical works
• gas works
• dockyards

There are also natural sources of contamination, notably radon gas. Radon is a radioactive gas which is invisible, odourless and tasteless. It comes from the rocks and soil found everywhere in the UK. Specialised equipment is needed to detect it.

The radon level in the air we breathe outside is very low, but it can be higher inside buildings. Public Health England has more information about radon.