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Episode Transcription
Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension.
It’s important to assess school gardens for lead in soil. Start by asking if soil for inground gardens has been evaluated. If not, it’s easy to buy a test kit online or ask a Master Gardener for help. Elevated lead levels in soil can pose a significant health threat to children. Your child may be exposed by inhaling contaminated soil, ingesting soil, or consuming products grown in the soil.
In-ground gardens should have soil levels below 400 parts per million. For levels between 400 and 1,200 parts per million, top soil should be bought and placed in raised beds for school gardens. School gardens should never be located in areas with soil with lead levels above 1,200 parts per million.
I’m Susie Craig, thanks for listening to Food Safety in a Minute.
Resources
Beaulieu, J., Buritsch, H., Traunfeld J., Henley, S. (2022, August 10). Food Safety in Your Gardens,
Classrooms, and Greenhouses. (8/10/22). University of Maryland Extension – Family and Consumer
Sciences.. Accessed online 4/9/24.