Can Norwood residents be exposed to contamination if we grow and eat our own vegetables from gardens in our yards?

To date, contamination has not been found on residential properties that would pose a risk. In addition, the concentrations of the contaminants found at the Norwood Site are often found in urban communities.

Studies show that exposure to contaminants via vegetable gardens is negligible. With the exception of some root crops like carrots and beets, the exposure route of contaminated soil to plant to human is not a major concern. The following best gardening practices are recommended for urban gardeners:

1. Use raised garden beds, pots, etc., filled with clean soil. 
2. As a precaution, mix additional compost into existing in-ground gardens. 
3. Wash all produce, peel root crops, and remove outer leaves of leafy vegetables grown in a home garden before eating. 
4. Clean tools, gloves and shoes before bringing them indoors, or leave them outside.