How Safe Is It To Garden Along The Shores Of The Gowanus Canal?

Though I certainly do not like to be an alarmist, the poster above, announcing the monthly clean-up of the Gowanus Canal Conservency certainly makes me uneasy. In light the EPA's proposal to place the Gowanus Canal on the list of Superfund sites, it would seem that digging in the dirt of its shores may not be the best idea.

The Gowanus Canal overflows on a regular basis in the area, saturating its banks with its heavily polluted waters. The photos on the poster show children happily sticking their hands into the dirt. Is this a good idea?

Don't misunderstand me. Volunteering to clean up the area is a noble endevor. I myself volunteer regularly in Carroll Park. But the Gowanus area is totally different.
I am not sure I would take the chance.

What do you think, dear Reader?

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