SoBRA are running a meeting on the risk of PAHs to human health in York on
30th June which may be of interest.
David Dunkley B.Sc. (Hons)., CEnv, M.S.E.E.
Senior Geo-environmental Engineer
Cedar Barn
t: 01604 781877
White Lodge
f: 01604 781007
Walgrave
m: 07900 006688
Northamptonshire
e: [log in to unmask]
NN6 9PY
w: www.soiltechnics.net
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-----Original Message-----
From: Contaminated Land Management Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of CUNDALL,
Jonathan
Sent: 21 May 2010 08:35
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Soot on allotments
Thanks for that interesting info.
I have wondered about the killer dust issue and soot. It seems likely (to
me at least) that indoor dust arising from an open hearth would exceed that
tracked back from a garden. Given the results of that analysis, would it
not be of concern that people with open fires are exposed to greater levels
of PAH's and other contaminants? If that is the case, then surely taking
action arising from elevated levels of contamination in gardens when there
is a more significant pathway in the house does not seem reasonable? If you
consider the exposure duration from any indoor generated sources too, then I
would suggest that this may be worthy of some research. In addition, is
there any evidence of difference contaminant profiles between coal/coke and
wood soot? The prevalance of wood burning stoves may be of additional
concern, even though they are much more efficient than open hearths and
generally kept closed, there is still soot that needs removing and released
when stoked/filled.
Regards
Jonathan
-----Original Message-----
From: Contaminated Land Management Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stephen
Pye
Sent: 21 May 2010 07:57
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Soot on allotments
Hello Anthony,
Nothing specific to contribute to your enquiry I'm afraid, but I hope the
attachments might be of some help. The subject has been a keen interest of
mine and I undertook to search certain technical literature for publications
on soot/PAHs/ gardens & allotments. The prime source was the ever faithful,
Soils and Fertiliser Abstracts, accessed at Rothamsted Library, Harpenden
(where I once studied nematodes as an industrial training student believe it
or not). Nothing was discovered, except for a Russian soils paper
demonstrating how soil temperatures increased with soot applications. I
concluded that the RHS might be a richer source but have yet to approach.
The subject of soot was raised on Radio 4's Gardeners Question Time last
year. I duly wrote in afterwards, on the subjest of PAHs and throwing
contaminants onto the soil.....but never got a reply! The use of soot is
also discussed on the UK National Allotments website which you might like
to visit.
The attached analysis is for a sample of soot I acquired from my local
chimney sweep, who incidently is the national H&S officer for the
Federation. He has also informed me that the HSE recently undertook a health
survey of chimney sweeps to investigate testicular cancer and exposure to
soot, but I have yet to find the report. He has further samples I am hoping
to test, once I can sneak them into other testing schedules.
Finaly, it would not be too difficult to set up a research field and pot
trials to provide valuable informationon the very topic you have asked
about. I have even approached Defra for possible funding, but the answer was
no, not eligible. Anyone got any spare funds?
As said, hope the attached is of interest.
Regards,
Steve
>>> Anthony Luke <[log in to unmask]> 05/18/10 1:54 pm >>>
Hello everyone. I wonder if you can help me.
I asked for information some time ago on the uptake of contaminants by
vegetables grown on allotments, and many thanks to all of you who responded.
This new enquiry also concerns allotments.
There has been a long tradition of dressing allotment gardens with soot to
control carrot fly, slugs and other pests. Has there been published any
scientific studies of PAH levels on allotments as a result of this practice?
Also, is there a reliable source on the chemical composition of coal soot?
All information will be gratefully received. I will post a summary of all
responses which I get back.
Many thanks in advance.
Anthony
Dr. Anthony Luke
Principal Officer (Contaminated Land)
TEC Services
The Highland Council
38 Harbour Road
Inverness IV1 1UF
01463-228703
07766-298104
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