[UrbanCropCircle] Question about lead and soil

[Chris LaRoche]

Hello Urban Crop Circlers,

Some friends and I have an ongoing discussion, and I think we need some 
professional input.
I've been doing some work around my house which involves old chipped 
paint falling onto the ground.
We assume the paint has lead in it.
Can the lead leak into the plants (including the vegetables).  One 
friend says the lead particles are too big to be absorbed by plants.  
Other friends don't garden in their house, cause they assume the yard is 
filled with lead (among other chemicals). 

Does anyone have more info about lead in soil, if it can be absorbed by 
plants, and if this is reason enough to deter home gardening?

Thanks,

Chris LaRoche