Is lead taken up by plants (i.e. vegetables)

[Muse]

When I sweep up the leaves on one side of my house I see paint that flakes off the house exterior, a fair amount of it. I think it's probable that this is leaded paint (i.e. pre 1970). For this reason, I've been putting those leaves in the trash rather than on my compost pile. That compost is what I fortify the soil with when I plant my vegetable garden. Would my vegetables just leave that lead in the soil or would some of it work its way into my tomatoes, squash, etc.?

 

[uclaLabrat]

Probably could, yeah

 

[Iron Woode]

you could pay to get the paint tested to make sure.

 

[D1gger]

Originally posted by: Muse
When I sweep up the leaves on one side of my house I see paint that flakes off the house exterior, a fair amount of it. I think it's probable that this is leaded paint (i.e. pre 1970). For this reason, I've been putting those leaves in the trash rather than on my compost pile. That compost is what I fortify the soil with when I plant my vegetable garden. Would my vegetables just leave that lead in the soil or would some of it work its way into my tomatoes, squash, etc.?

Google is your friend Link to Article

 

[bobsmith1492]

Originally posted by: D1gger

Originally posted by: Muse
When I sweep up the leaves on one side of my house I see paint that flakes off the house exterior, a fair amount of it. I think it's probable that this is leaded paint (i.e. pre 1970). For this reason, I've been putting those leaves in the trash rather than on my compost pile. That compost is what I fortify the soil with when I plant my vegetable garden. Would my vegetables just leave that lead in the soil or would some of it work its way into my tomatoes, squash, etc.?

Google is your friend Link to Article

Hm, good article.

Cliffs:

- Lead concentration in plants is ~10-1000 times less than that of the soil
- Test the soil if you're worried
- Keep the ground moist to prevent inhaling lead with the dust while gardening
- Plants in alkaline soil take up less lead
- Most of the lead is on the outside (thanks to the dirt) so:
- . Wash your veggies
- . Peel your tubers (carrots, radishes, potatoes)

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: D1gger

Originally posted by: Muse
When I sweep up the leaves on one side of my house I see paint that flakes off the house exterior, a fair amount of it. I think it's probable that this is leaded paint (i.e. pre 1970). For this reason, I've been putting those leaves in the trash rather than on my compost pile. That compost is what I fortify the soil with when I plant my vegetable garden. Would my vegetables just leave that lead in the soil or would some of it work its way into my tomatoes, squash, etc.?

Google is your friend Link to Article

Thank you. I think it's clear that I shouldn't dig that paint into my soil regardless of whether or not I'm planting vegetables in it. It would only increase the lead content of the soil. There are no small children living here now but someday they may be. I'll make an effort to prevent that paint from contaminating the soil.