JWR:
I have read plenty of entries on your site about people using concrete block (“cinder block”) for square foot gardening and raised bed gardening. I didn’t know how to post this so, I thought I would just email you this information.
I have been in the Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) (Concrete Block) industry for almost 11 years. I started as a yard hand and have recently worked my way up to Plant Manager and Site Safety Manager (two hats due to downsizing and the economy). I see many people write about using these CMUs or cinder blocks to build raised beds and also to plant directly inside the cells of this block. I am offering a warning of the possibility of poisons in this product and stressing that I would never grow my food in it. The product Fly Ash is used as a Portland Cement replacement for up to 30% of the cement used to manufacture these products. For those of you unaware, Fly Ash is a by product of burning coal. The EPA is and has for the last year been doing a study to decide whether or not to label Fly Ash as a Hazardous Waste due to the high levels of mercury, arsenic, and lead; leaving some “Industry Folk” to refer to concrete as the “New Asbestos” or the “New Lead Paint”. Though there is no definite date set for a decision the ball has started rolling. The EPA knows this product is unhealthy, I know this product is unhealthy (and wouldn’t dare chance putting it into my children’s mouth), and now you can make an informed decision on how you feel about it. Just google “Is Fly Ash Toxic” and you will see all the information available on this material allowing you to make an informed decision of your own. With all the trials and tribulations we face I would hate to know that I was poisoning myself with the very food I prepped to save me.
Blessings, – J.D. in Texas
Letter Re: Cinder Block Safety Concerns
