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

[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 :)