Dermal contact does not need to be considered when contamination is at what depth?

Dermal contact concerns arise when contaminants are located close enough to the surface where individuals may come into direct contact with the soil. When contamination is at a depth of 3 feet below ground surface (bgs), it is generally assumed that dermal exposure is significantly reduced. This is because most people do not dig or interact with soil at that depth in normal circumstances, minimizing the risk of skin contact with contaminants.

As depth increases to 3 feet and beyond, the likelihood of encountering contaminants through dermal exposure decreases substantially. Factors such as typical soil activity, gardening, and other common surface-level interactions would be unlikely to reach this depth, thereby making dermal contact a lesser concern.

In summary, when contamination is at a depth of 3 feet bgs, it’s reasonable to conclude that dermal contact does not need to be considered, as the depth surpasses the range where actual contact becomes likely for the general population.