Cornell Tech researchers have created a simple device that could help home gardeners test their soil safely and cheaply. The problem is serious in many areas. In New York City, 45% of tested soil samples have lead levels above 400 parts per million. The EPA has revised its recommended screening level to 200 parts per million for residential soils. Many areas in northern Brooklyn have high levels of contamination. “Most people don’t know about lead in soil,” says Rajalakshmi Nandakumar from Cornell Tech. “When you look up how to grow tomatoes, no one tells you to check for lead. They … Continue reading SoilScanner: Affordable Device Detects Lead in Urban Gardens