Tomatoes, But Not Farm Workers, Gardeners, Safe from Soil Lead
Published:26 Jul.2022 Source:University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Urban agriculture is booming, but there's often a hidden danger lurking in city soils: lead. A recent University of Illinois study showed universally elevated lead levels in soils across Chicago, an urban ag hotspot.
Scientists don't know much about how vegetables and other crops take up and accumulate lead in real-world settings, but new U of I research in Chicago backyard gardens shows tomatoes are likely safe to eat, even when grown in highly lead-contaminated soils.