Verein Deutscher Ingenieure

Biological measuring techniques for the determination and evaluation of effects of air pollutants on plants (biomonitoring) - Investigation strategy following hazardous incidents (passive biomonitoring)
 N VDI 3957 BLATT 15

Annotation

If there is evidence or reasonable argument that immissions of pollutants occurred after damage incidents, there is a risk of (possibly considerable) impact on the environment at close and possibly greater distance around a source of pollutants.

Especially the release of chloro-organic compounds like dioxins and furans (PCDD/F) [1] or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), of metals like lead, cadmium, quicksilver, of gaseous compounds containing sulphur, fluorine or chlorine, and of other carcinogenic, teratogenic or particularly toxic substances requires the immediate implementation of urgent measures for precautionary health protection that prevent contact with these substances or the uptake of the polluted products or materials as well as possible.

In particular kitchen gardens, agriculturally used land and other sensitive land uses, e.g. playgrounds (see Section 5) are concerned. The purpose of this standard is to present a general guideline for cases that require immediate action for environmental agencies, municipal public affairs offices, and fire brigades for dealing with such damage incidents.

The examination of substances released into the environment serves

- to assess the risk with respect to human health after eating food plants,

- to assess the risk of feed uptake by domestic animals with respect to the consumption of animal products like milk and meat,

- the protection of the animals themselves and