Lead, other chemicals taint some urban gardens

By DAVID RUNK Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) - Soil researchers say the growing number of urban farmers and community gardeners in the U.S. need to test their dirt for lead and chemicals 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. And the Boston area, where a recent study suggests even clean, trucked-in dirt can end up contaminated in a few years.

Lead is usually the biggest problem for urban growers, with the remnants of once-legal lead paint and leaded gasoline tainting city soil in some areas.

Experts say such problems don't outweigh the benefits of urban gardening, but people growing food should take steps to address pollution so their fruit and vegetables are safe.