From Science to Policy: Safeguarding Food Security and Public Health through Strengthened Soil Pollution Regulations
Abstract
Soil pollution presents a critical environmental and public health challenge, impacting food safety, crop yield, and the broader ecosystem. Contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial waste compromise soil health, diminishing agricultural productivity and elevating health risks through food chain contamination. Dealing with soil pollution requires a collaborative and scientifically driven strategy involving the environmental, health, and agricultural sectors. Reinforcing soil pollution regulations is critical for ensuring public health and food security, as soil contaminants can severely impact food and water supplies. This paper emphasizes the need for an integrative approach grounded in collaboration among policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders. Unified strategies are essential to address the interconnected impacts of soil health on ecosystems, human health, and agriculture. The study also advocates for advancing sustainable soil management practices, such as pollution prevention technologies, improved monitoring, and eco-friendly remediation techniques. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research and policy coherence in developing effective regulatory frameworks. Future efforts must focus on cross-sectoral collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate pollution risks and promote resilient food systems. Policymakers can design more comprehensive soil pollution regulations by leveraging international best practices and One Health principles. Such strategies form a robust foundation for a framework aimed at sustaining soil health, safeguarding food security, and promoting public health while fostering a more resilient environment that can be laid for future generations.