I believe some nurseries sell railroad ties for use in landscaping... and while they're fine for ornamentals, I wouldn't want them around my food. If they are real railroad ties, then what your pal is telling you is correct. Most folks won't even use modern pressure-treated lumber to construct raised beds, and the chemicals used in those aren't as harsh as what was in those old railroad ties.

I would replace them with 2x8 lumber or something similar (check Youtube, there are all sorts of materials you can use). If you don't, in my experience, it will be hard to maintain the raised bed at its current dimensions.

There is absolutely no doubt that these are 100 - 120 year old RR ties, as the nursery manager assured me over the phone two days ago. I was always of the opinion that a nursery selling ancient RR ties for garden use, would be certain of their safety. This manager I spoke with said they have been selling RR ties like these for veggy growing, for over 30 years and have never received a complaint. Of course that could be a slightly false statement, but realistically doubt whether a successful nursery, in business so long, would knowingly not warn prospective buyers if there was any doubt in their mind.

Mainly I guess I am trying to convince myself, As a 65 + y.o. retiree living alone, am not thrilled about the thought of ripping out five massive ties, and then wondering where to dispose of them. ( smile ) Still assessing the situation, am grateful for the replies.

Will it kill you? No, probably not. In my opinion, there are far greater health risks to be concerned with. Some people think I shouldn't use plastic buckets to grow in, because the chemicals from the plastic will leach into the soil. I'm willing to accept that risk.

That being said, if you can replace them, I would. If you can't, it won't mean imminent death.

It may be that the age of these ties works in your favor, the chemicals used having had time to leach out, or....perhaps the modern-day chemicals never even used in such old ties. But, of course, I don't really know.

+oM

I live in Gainesville, former home to the infamous Koppers plant that made creosote and arsenic treated lumber, mostly utility poles from what I understand. The soil within a 2-mile radius of the former property is so polluted still that no one can plant anything edible in the ground. The most dangerous health-threatening component of creosote is dioxins, which can be released into the air and settle everywhere as dust. Lethal levels of dioxins were found miles away from the Koppers plant site. The statistics on cancer and especially miscarriages within that two-mile radius is unbelievable. If you care anything about your health, don't use creosote treated lumber in your yard, much less in your veggie garden.

According to the EPA, it is illegal to use anything treated with creosote in your landscape.
http://www.gardensalive.com/product/railroad-ties-are-not-legal-for-home-landscape-use/you_bet_your_garden