22 February 2022: Working with community to better understand potential contaminant risks in urban gardens by Professor Mark Patrick Taylor

This talk with cover the primary findings of the VegeSafe soils contaminants program Professor Taylor, EPA Victoria’s Chief Environmental Scientist, has completed with his graduate team. The talk will cover not only trace metals in soils in our backyard, but examine what this means for vegetables, honey bees and chickens along with the likely sources and causes of contamination and practical solutions.

Brief Biography – Professor Mark Patrick Taylor Mark Patrick Taylor is Victoria’s Chief Environmental Scientist at EPA Victoria…Prior to his current position he specialised in environmental contamination and the risks it can pose. Recent successful science-based advocacy includes the revision of the NHMRC’s intervention level for blood lead exposures in children and the need for better regulation of smelter air emissions in Port Pirie. He has completed several commissions for government in recent years: (i) a review of the NSW EPA’s management of contaminated sites for the NSW Minister for the Environment, focussing on perfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) and their management; (ii) a review of lead in plumbing fittings and materials for the Australian Building Codes Board; (iii) a science review for NSW EPA’s Broken Hill Environmental Lead Program regarding childhood lead exposures.

Prof Taylor is a science advisor to the following: the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation represent-ing the Mirrar people impacted by uranium mining in Kakadu; Fire Rescue Victoria, the Broken Hill Environmental Lead Program addressing childhood lead exposures from mining operations. His research program investigates environmental contamination in aerosols, dusts, sediments, soil, water and potential risks to human health. His work has focused on mining and smelting emissions and depositions, as well as contamination in urban environments.  Prof Taylor’s work has a special focus on ‘human environments’ including analysis of blood lead levels in children, firefighter chemical exposures, trace metals in wine, honey, residential veggie patches, household dusts and drinking water. Topical research includes assessment of atmospheric trace metal emissions from wildfires. His research and outreach work includes Australia’s only citizen science programs that addresses environmental contamination in residential environments: VegeSafe and DustSafe programs, which provide soil and indoor dust trace metal analysis and advice to homeowners.

This will e a zoom presentation open to financial members only.  Presentation will commence at 7 pm on 22 February 2022.  Link will be sent out prior to event to all members.