Three things:
1. Regarding urban farming; the soil should be tested for lead and other heavy metals and raised beds should be used, however, recent studies by WSU show that the amount of lead absorbed by plants and passed on through consumption is not a likely heath concern. It may be higher for root plants [[e.g. potatoes) than leafy plants, but it's not enough to elevate human blood lead levels.
2. Lead based paint ingestion is still by far the biggest hazard in Detroit, and the Bing administration gets a failing grade on protecting our kids so far. They've ignored the recommendations of the CDC, Michigan Department of Community Health, Detroit Heatlh Department's Medical Director, and the former lead program's Director & Manager, and they do not have the resources [[money & people) to adequately protect our children.
3. Stay up to date on the issue at the Spirit of Detroit Blog and sign the petition to fix Detroit's lead poisoning prevention program.