[Scpg] some urban gardens tainted with lead

[LBUZZELL at aol.com]

_http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/23/urban-gardens-chemicals-lead-arsen
ic_n_839485.html_ 
(http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/23/urban-gardens-chemicals-lead-arsenic_n_839485.html)  
 
"With remnants of once-legal lead paint, leaded gasoline and other  
pollutants from the nation's industrial past tainting land in U.S. cities, soil  
researchers warn that the growing number of urban farmers and community  
gardeners need to test their dirt and take steps to make sure it's safe.
"They point to cities like Indianapolis, where nine out of 10 urban gardens 
 tested by one researcher had problems with lead in the soil. Or the Boston 
area,  where a recent study suggests that even clean, trucked-in soil can 
end up  contaminated, perhaps by windblown dust or dirt splatted by rain, in 
a few short  years. 
"Agriculture and other experts say such problems don't outweigh the 
benefits  of urban gardening, but those growing food should make sure their soil 
has been  tested and take appropriate steps to address pollution so their 
fruits and  vegetables are safe." 

Linda
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