Contaminated soil

[Jplot]

Hi, I got my allotment last August. It was completely covered in weeds and rubbish. I decided to clear all the weeds and set them on fire, I also burnt quite a lot of wood that was on there. I was was told by a friend that the ash would actually help the soil. I didn't think about it at the time but the wood had paint on it which possibly could have lead in.
Could the soil now be contaminated with lead? If so would it be such a small amount that's not worth worrying about? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Aberdeenplotter]

best to avoid burning painted wood but on the plus side, paint burns very fiercely and I think but am not certain that most of the harmful stuff will disappear into the atmosphere.

[Snadger]

Cripes, my project allotment has had a huge bonfire on it for many a day burning all sorts of crap. I also have a new use for all the sheets of plasterboard taken from the inside of a hut walls, dig it in to increase the alkalinity.

On the plus side, if you had any clubroot or white rot in the soil it will all be burned out now!

[WendyC]

I would have thought the risk was minimal. Could you tell how old the wood was as lead based paint was banned in 1978.

[Guest]

I really wouldn't worry. There is probably worse things lurking than the odd bit of lead.

Forgot to say - Hi and welcome to the vine

[4390evans]

Apparently sunflowers and ornamental cabbage remove lead from soil

[Jplot]

Thanks A lot, You have put my mind at rest.