The Chainlink

Anyone have any recommendations for soil testing in Chicago?

I am looking to test for lead, arsenic, etc.

Thanks!

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I've used Stat Analysis to test for lead and definitely recommend them. Fairly inexpensive, quick turnaround. http://www.statanalysis.com/

Not sure what all they can test for (not sure about arsenic), but I'd definitely recommend giving them a call....

Does Stat Analysis deal with individuals, or just with businesses and institutions? 

Here's a list of soil testing labs from the the Illinois Extension Service.  I've used a service called Mowers out of Toulon, IL in the past.  They were prompt and provided an excellent analysis report.  From the link on this page it appears they've been bought by a huge Swiss company, and the web site isn't very user friendly.  Grrr!!!

Called them today. Testing is $28 per sample. which includes testing for both for lead and arsenic. You get the results in 5 days. They are open for drop off during regular business hours. I think I might use them.

Thanks!

Shelley Scott said:

I've used Stat Analysis to test for lead and definitely recommend them. Fairly inexpensive, quick turnaround. http://www.statanalysis.com/

Not sure what all they can test for (not sure about arsenic), but I'd definitely recommend giving them a call....

Used Stat Analysis earlier this spring. Ended up costing $30 per sample for lead and arsenic. Service was great and would recommend them

The results are depressing. Untreated soil was 3 times the max EPA recommendation. Even the enriched soil (lots of homegrown compost) was around the max EPA recommendation (400 ppm)

I suggest that if you grow vegetables directly in your soil that you read up on the risks of lead and see whether a sample makes sense

We got our (garden)work cut out for us.

Duppie, I'm sorry to hear it.

FWIW I've researched the lead question before and concluded (well, found it concluded by seemingly solid sources) that lead doesn't  tend to transfer to fruits and vegetables, but you definitely do want to avoid leafy greens or other non-fruit-bearing crop (e.g. Rhubarb) or tubers grown in lead-heavy soil.

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