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A field study investigated the perception of environmental hazards in residential areas polluted by chemical wastes. Soil pollution is an important problem in The Netherlands. The government expects that in the period from 1982 to 1997 some 1000 sites will need remedial action. Of these sites about 50 concern pollution in residential areas. In four cases of soil pollution experiences of the inhabitants, the information process, social and medical assistance and participation by the inhabitants are studied. The data were collected in comprehensive interviews with involved professionals, the relevant authorities and 756 inhabitants. The cases were in different stages of technical investigation and remedial action. Differences in managing approach, nature of the pollutants and age of the houses were related to the perceptions and expectations of the inhabitants. It will be argued that increased understanding of individual reactions to cases of soil pollution could have important consequences for pol...