When leaded gas and paint was phased out decades ago, there was an assumption that lead disappeared too. That assumption was wrong, given that lead does not evaporate, dissolve or break down, even with time. The question then, is where did the lead that was once in paint and gasoline go? Where is it now?
The soil and sand in and around our homes contains much of it. It is extremely common for garden soil to be heavily contaminated with lead from past car exhaust. If the soil is on a lot where an old house stood or stands, there would be further contamination from the exterior house paint that either chipped off naturally over time, or was power-washed or scraped in preparation for new paint.
This week's TIP:
ASSUME ALL GARDEN SOIL AND SAND IS CONTAMINATED WITH LEAD. Always wear gloves when working in the garden, and be very careful that footwear and clothing do not transport lead-carrying dirt indoors.
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