Is it hazardess to my health to eat vegetables grown in my garden surrounded by railroad ties?

Question

Will my vegetables be contaminated through the soil?

Answer 1

If I were you, those smelly, nasty ties would be the last thing near my garden.
They are treated with creosote, a cancer causing, petroleum by-product used to preserve the wood.
They were never intended for garden use, originally.
Ever notice on a hot rainy day how they stink!
When they do breakdown at all, there is nasty, dry stinging slivers.
The creosote also will kill local vegetation, and spoil you soil quality.
I would even use that kind of filthy wood for mulches, like a lot of people do.
The only reason most people do, is because it's almost given away.
Please consider removing and changing out your garden borders.
You still come in contact with the wood when you visit your garden.
Creosote, is a major skin irritant, and the fumes are harmful.
That's why they are not to be burnt, also.
Hope this helps,
Dave

Answer 2

Yes,they could be contaminated.When it rains,toxins leach out from the railroad ties into the soil.You should get your soil tested,or move your garden.

Answer 3

Nope. I had a garden once built like that all along one wall of the garage. It was a super little garden. I grew tons of tomato's. But, I also used miricle grow and horse poo. But no, the ties won't hurt anything.

Answer 4

You'll be fine, most of the chemicals were leached out when the ties were actual RR ties.

Answer 5

Unless the ties are going directly through the roots, or they are radioactive, you got very little to worry about.

Answer 6

Should not be. Lots of people near tracks have gardens. I would worry more if I had industrial places not to far from my home.

Answer 7

no,i wouldn't think so