The European Environment State and Outlook 2010 reveals the latest contamination levels across the continent.
According to the report, released at the end of last week, soil contamination is still a wide-spread problem in Europe.
Heavy metals and minerals are the most widespread contaminates with an estimated 3 million acres affected by pollution.
In appropriate soil management, deforestation and over grazing are also causing wide spread soil erosion.
EEA executive director, Jacqueline McGlade, said: “We are consuming more natural resources than is ecologically stable, this is true for both Europe and the planet as a whole.
“‘There are no quick fixes but regulators, businesses and citizens need to work together and find innovative ways to use resources more efficiently.
“The seeds for future action exist: the task ahead is to help them take root and flourish.”
Luke Walsh