Air pollution & Veggie patches

Question From: 
Jacqui Fitzgerald in  Tempe,  Sydney NSW

 

Nature of problem: 
Air pollution & Veggie patches

 

Type of Plant (if known): 
Vegetables

 

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself): 

 

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type: 

 

How often do you water the plant:

 

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:

 

What type of plant is it:

 

How long since you planted it:

 

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:

 

Is the plant indoors or outdoors: 
Outdoors

 

What other treatments have you given the plant: 

Upload photo if available: 

Other Comments: 
My question: Is it bad for my family’s health to eat veggies that I have grown in my veggie patch, when I live under part of Sydney’s air strips? I heard pollution from aeroplanes is very bad, and I’m worried about ingesting these pollutants.

Everything grows well there…

 

Answer: Hi Jacqui,  Yours is a very smart question. Very often growing your own vegies at home will produce polluted food. On top of local atmospheric pollution, there are also dangerous chemicals in your soil, such as Dieldrin (a more toxic relative of DDT). Organically grown food from shops is probably safer for your family.   Don