Testing soil for lead?

[tarkap.livejournal.com]

I have veggies growing in my backyard and had a friend suggest I get the soil tested for lead before I eat any, since lead is apparently common in the soil around here due to lead paint. I looked online but couldn't find anything that looked reputable enough to try, so I'd like to know what others have done to get their yards tested for lead. I've seen a few houses around here that have gardens so I don't think it's too bad a problem, but I'd like to know for sure. :)

I've heard of both sending samples in to have them tested in a lab, and test kits that you can use yourself. I searched the davis_square and b0st0n LJs and couldn't find anything about lead.

Thanks

Comments

[ruthling.livejournal.com]

I sent away to have mine tested at Umass Amherst's soil lab: http://www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest/

I don't think any home-based test for soils would be accurate; it's more for testing surfaces with paint on them.

[m-b-w.livejournal.com]

A friend who is very knowledgable about these things had my soil tested by The Soil And Plant Tissue Testing Lab at UMass, Amherst. Their web address is http://www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest/

The lead level in the soil at my house was very high. "Use of this soil for growing vegetables or for a play area for children under six is not recommended." Hope yours is better! If not, you can always plant in containers . . .

[dreamgirly19.livejournal.com]

Thats what we did. Our garage roof gets full sun so we planted everything in containers and I have tomatoes, onions, peppers, strawberries and lettuce hehe.

I also have dogs and definitely didnt trust them leaivng the plants alone.

Containers in your ground might work too if you dont have rooftop space :)

[aquastar.livejournal.com]

Umass Amherst's plant and soil sciences is pretty fantastic. I'd recommend there. A lot of the areas around here do have high lead content. If your soil tests high you could enclose a "flower" bed and fill it with bought soil ...

[tarkap.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the info! I remembered something like that but couldn't find it anywhere.

Do you know what the turnaround time for results usually is?

[turil.livejournal.com]

FYI a lot of the lead is from cars/gasoline, as well as from paint. Back when they had leaded gas any spilled gas would collect in the soil and leave the lead hanging around. I think the exhaust from cars also spewed lead out into the city.

And yeah, use the UMass testing thing. And avoid planting things that you eat that grow close to the ground or in the ground (potatoes, onions, etc.) if you're not sure. Tall veggies, like beans and tomatoes are usually fine for adults to eat, even if there is a bit of lead, since the heavy lead stays in the soil for the most part. (But don't take my word for it! Do what you need to make sure things are safe to eat before you eat them, ok?)

[kjc.livejournal.com]

We used UMass. It was within 2-3 weeks that we got a response.

Don't use home test kits. I've been told by professionals that they're almost useless.

Come to The Somerville Garden Club this Wednesday (7/11) at 7pm and ask all the questions you like! In the TAB (Tufts Administration Building) building #167 Holland St., 2nd floor. http://www.somervillegardenclub.org

Our meetings are every second Wednesday of each month.

[voynaren.livejournal.com]

Apparently pelargoniums ("scented geraniums") are good at absorbing lead from the soil, so planting some of those would help reduce your yard's lead content.

[desiringsubject.livejournal.com]

I heard that veggies grown in soil w/ lead are mostly dangerous to children under 10 and pregnant or lactating mothers. For people whose brain cells are more developed, I heard it was safe. But that's just hearsay.