In 2016, the subject of heavy metals, especially in the Portland metro area, was an area of concern for many home owners. The words “heavy metals”, as they relate to health, always cause a lot of anxiety, especially for parents with young children. Should we be concerned? What is a heavy metal? Is it possible there could be some benefits from ingesting some types of heavy metals? These are questions to which many people seek answers. Please join us as Sam Angima, Oregon State University, talks about heavy metals in our gardening and landscape spaces.

Come and learn about arsenic, cadmium, iron, lead, chromium, copper, zinc, nickel, and mercury as they relate to your gardening and health expectations. We will discuss the major things you need to know about heavy metals, how to test your soils for heavy metals and whether all heavy metals in our soils are dangerous.  

Sam Angima, Oregon State University

Dr. Angima is an agronomist by profession and understands crop production processes and issues that hinder plant growth and health. His current role at Oregon State University as the Asst. Dean for Agricultural Extension is to work with all faculty and staff as well as community groups and businesses to ensure that the needs of communities are met as they relate to education. Dr. Angima’s history of strong andpositive leadership is the mainstay of his administrative work along with his willingness to listen and discuss creative ideas that strengthen the OSU-community partnerships across Oregon.