Metals in soil and dust can get onto produce.

There are things you can do to minimize the potential exposure to metals from home-grown fruit and vegetables.

• Get your soil tested.  THEP will replace garden soil that exceeds 400 parts per million lead.
• Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
• Peel root vegetables before eating.
• Choose what you grow and eat.
  • The fruit parts of plants (e.g., tomatoes, cucumbers, berries, beans) have shown they absorb the lowest amount of metals.
  • Leafy greens have the highest level of metals. Washing them gets rid of some, but not all of it.
• Consider amending your soil to help reduce metal uptake. This may include keeping your pH close to neutral, adding organic matter and considering phosphate fertilizer.

A recent study on produce grown in the Trail area shows that lead levels in leaf and fruit produce were significantly lower than when last tested in 2013, likely due to improved air quality. 

To request soil testing in your garden, sign up online.