Backyard or community gardens are not immune to contaminates, however. Urban gardens may be growing in soil that contains heavy metals that have leached into the soil. Large urban areas because of past or existing manufacturing can have high levels of soil pollutants as well as atmospheric. Soil is an excellent filter and studies have concluded that plants do not absorb unacceptable levels of heavy metals or pesticides. Although, many think any level contaminate is too much. Soil from rural areas will not contain as high a level of contaminates.

Gardeners can have their soil tested to relieve anxiety or buy organic soil and build raised beds. Many communities will spray pesticides to control the mosquito population. Mist can settle on exposed fruits and vegetables. Rinsing well will remove any topical contaminates. Neighbors may be spraying pesticides and the mist may become airborne and settle on the plants. Regardless of, where the fresh produced was raised washing thoroughly before eating is a good idea.

Many of the Environmental Experts that were interviewed believe that the tap water in Chicago is safe and drinkable compared to water from other areas. However, many Chicago residents might not agree with this statement. Therefore, many Chicago residents feel that they should filter their tap water to remove various substances and odors.You can find a quick rundown here

Recently, federal regulators who use certain methods to test levels of lead in many Chicago homes, were surprise to find high levels of lead in the tap water that was being tested. They also found certain levels of hexavalent chromium, which is a substance that can be linked to cancer.

In reference to many Chicago residents concerns about using filters for their tap water, these filters might solve some of the problems with the tap water. However, the filter will not solve all potential concerns such as removing all of the unregulated contaminants that might be in their tap water.

In conclusion, many Chicago residents still must ask themselves “Should we drink the Chicago tap water?” or “Should we filter our tap water?”

Surviving a blizzard in Chicago is easy if you prepare. The most important part is to go out and do some shopping before the blizzard hits. That way you have enough food, drinking water and other essentials to last a few days. Blizzards are not particularly dangerous in and of themselves, but when there are mountains of snow where there once were roads, it may be a few days before they get cleared and you are able to leave your house.

If you are on the road when a blizzard strikes, head home as soon as possible. The snow can pile up so fast around your car that you may be forced to abandon it on foot. Blizzards are also generally accompanied by high winds, leaving you exposed to the frigid temperatures which are only magnified by the high winds.