[Waste burdens--hazardous paths, aims of protection, environmental-toxicological assessment]

Contamination of soil by toxic substances, in particular from hazardous waste and air pollution, is not only an important environmental medical problem but also has far-reaching effects on the community. Environmental toxicological assessment is based on the different types of use taking the paths of ingestion into consideration. In the following article the scheme by Eikmann and Kloke systematizes this approach. Orientation values (soil values) for metals and several harmful organic substances for different types of use are presented.