Bioaccessibility

The Environment Agency have stated: “Bioaccessibility results may aid in a more realistic estimate of uptake of a contaminant into the body following ingestion of soil and dust than generic assumptions such as those used to derive Soil Guideline Values. However the current scientific understanding of the use of bioaccessibility testing in risk assessment is insufficient to enable the Agency to recommend its use in England and Wales at present.”

Arsenic in particular poses a significant problem in Plymouth and without the acceptance of bioaccessibility testing we would see significantly increased volumes of soil going to landfill and/or 'clean' material being brought onto site unnecessarily. As a Council we are taking our commitment to brownfield regeneration and sustainable development very seriously and have therefore decided to accept bioaccessibility testing where appropriate.

The Council will only accept bioaccessibility testing where an appropriate method has been used, sufficient samples have been taken, the Environment Agency publications have been consulted and uncertainties have been taken into consideration.

Please see the Environment Agency website on bioaccessibility before proceeding with any testing.