Is it safe to grow food in soil near a former gas station?
Test the soil first. Use raised beds with clean soil until you know what is in the ground.
What is in it
A former gas station can leave gasoline residues, petroleum compounds, lead, solvents, and other soil contaminants. You cannot see these by looking at the dirt.
That does not mean every old lot is ruined. It means food gardening should start with a soil test, not guesswork.
What the research says
A 2026 Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry review found that food plants can add to PFAS intake, and that leafy plant parts often show higher PFAS levels than other edible parts.
EPA says brownfield gardens need soil testing and safe gardening practices. CDC also says lead-contaminated soil can expose children through soil dust and through produce grown in or near contaminated soil.
What to do
Before planting food, test the soil for lead, arsenic, petroleum hydrocarbons, and PFAS if the site history points that way. Your county extension office or local health department can help you pick the right test.
Until results are clear, grow food in raised beds with clean imported soil. Put a barrier between native soil and the bed. Wash hands and produce well, and keep kids from playing in bare dirt.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Review: Potential of Food Plants to Contribute to Human Intake of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. | J Agric Food Chem | 2026 |
| Frequent Questions about Brownfields and Urban Agriculture | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | 2026 |
| About Lead in Soil | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | 2024 |