Knowledgebase
Toxicity of Ironite for vegetable garden useage? #823615
Asked March 27, 2023, 2:27 PM EDT
Robin prepared a garden last year and everything that grew was "chlorotic" looking and didn't grow. This year decided to add ironite (which has subsequently learned contains arsenic and lead). Wondering if they can safely eat vegetables from this garden or will they be dosing themselves with arsenic and lead? Looked at the MSDS labels and they said nothing regarding this. (Found two studies, one in 2004 and one in 2005 only.) Does not have a definitive answer on whether vegetables will be safe to eat or not? Also, if not, what is now to be done about the garden? is it ruined, do they have to start over? or what can be done?
Thank you - please respond to Robin directly at email address and/or phone number.
Humboldt County Nevada
Expert Response
Please excuse the delay in answering of your question. The system assigned it to an Expert who is no longer available on Ask a Expert.
As for your specific questions about the safety of your garden soil to grow edible vegetables following the application of an Ironite product, you will need to read the product label to see if the product was appropriate for soils being used for edible plant production and if your application rate was correct.
If the label does not indicate it is designed for edible plants or states nothing you should contact the company for their position.
As for the studies, I can not comment if they would pertain to you. Every research study is different and results will vary. Factors important to consider are soil types, iron-type products (form and formula), and irrigation these are all factors in research. Your water and existing soil may already have traces of arsenic, iron, lead, and many other macro and micronutrients. Levels should never be assumed and can only be acquired by appropriate soil and water testing by accredited labs.
I hope this information is helpful.
The company and product label is your best resource for learning the safety of your soil.
