Garden beds made of galvanized steel - Ask Extension
Are galvanized steel beds seeping lead into the soil and ultimately our food? The container itself tested positive for lead. If these containers do ...
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Garden beds made of galvanized steel #868439
Asked May 14, 2024, 4:26 PM EDT
Are galvanized steel beds seeping lead into the soil and ultimately our food? The container itself tested positive for lead. If these containers do seep lead into the soil, are there any recommendations for the proper removal of the soil?
Macomb County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Raenae,
Could you give me some information about the galvanized steel container you are planning to use? How was it tested for lead? Is the container painted with lead paint? Also, please indicate if you plan to place the container on an existing garden or lawn (soil does contain some lead, especially in urban areas), or if the garden bed has a closed bottom and will be placed on cement or other hard surface. How high/deep will the box be? Is the steel material reused galvanized steel or is it new material?
I know that I have asked a lot of questions, but I want to be sure that I understand the situation.
Thank you for your prompt reply.
Could you give me some information about the galvanized steel container you are planning to use? How was it tested for lead? Is the container painted with lead paint? Also, please indicate if you plan to place the container on an existing garden or lawn (soil does contain some lead, especially in urban areas), or if the garden bed has a closed bottom and will be placed on cement or other hard surface. How high/deep will the box be? Is the steel material reused galvanized steel or is it new material?
I know that I have asked a lot of questions, but I want to be sure that I understand the situation.
Thank you for your prompt reply.
Margo P. -
The galvanized beds were purchased in April 2023. New material by Land Guard Galvanized Raised Beds however sold by a company by the name of Cyantor -US. The beds have an open bottom and the sizes purchased are 4'x2'x1' and 6'x2'x1'. Product details say "Upgraded quality and structure" and that they are made of Q195 galvanized metal sheet, double-layer anti-corrosion galvanizing. I'm not sure if this statement applies to the beds that I purchased last year however these are the details of the product today. The positive lead results were confirmed by Tonnylab Lead Check Swabs when rubbed on the bed itself. I have soil drying from all 4 beds and can send the sample in if need be.
Thank you in advance,
Raenae Keller
On 05/15/2024 10:28 AM EDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hello Raenae,
Thank you for the information. I believe the first thing you should do is take a soil test from the two beds that were purchased at the same time and from the same company. One thing to keep in mind is that all soil contains some lead; a soil test can tell if there is lead in the soil and if it's at an acceptable level.
Another thing that I came across is that there are conflicting views as to whether the swab tests are reliable. A soil test would clear that up. You can get a soil test kit at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/
You may have to pay an extra fee to have the soil tested for lead.
The following link is from Duke University about different soil contaminants. I wasn't able to send only the fact sheet on lead, so you will have to scroll down to the section on lead.
https://sites.nicholas.duke.edu/superfundcec/files/2020/09/Garden-factsheet-collection.pdf
When you receive your test results, contact us again if you have any questions or need further information.
Have a great week!
Thank you for the information. I believe the first thing you should do is take a soil test from the two beds that were purchased at the same time and from the same company. One thing to keep in mind is that all soil contains some lead; a soil test can tell if there is lead in the soil and if it's at an acceptable level.
Another thing that I came across is that there are conflicting views as to whether the swab tests are reliable. A soil test would clear that up. You can get a soil test kit at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/
You may have to pay an extra fee to have the soil tested for lead.
The following link is from Duke University about different soil contaminants. I wasn't able to send only the fact sheet on lead, so you will have to scroll down to the section on lead.
https://sites.nicholas.duke.edu/superfundcec/files/2020/09/Garden-factsheet-collection.pdf
When you receive your test results, contact us again if you have any questions or need further information.
Have a great week!
