Soil Testing at Pasadena City Parks Shows Lead and Other Heavy Metal Levels Below Thresholds

PASADENA, Calif.- The results of soil sampling conducted at Alice's Dog Park, Allendale Park, Hamilton Park, Robinson Park, Washington Park, and Victory Park show that lead levels for all parks are below the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) screening threshold of 80 parts per million (ppm) and well below the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) screening threshold of 200 ppm. The highest detection of lead in soil was found at Washington Park (Tree Area) at 51.9 ppm and the lowest at Robinson Park (North Ball Field) at 1.6 ppm. Test results for other heavy metal levels were also below the state and federal thresholds. These results indicate that lead and heavy metal levels in park soil are not current concerns to human health and Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) recommendations to restrict outdoor activities on exposed soil in parks are lifted.

"These test results demonstrate there is no evidence that levels of lead or other heavy metals are harmful to health at these city parks," said Director of Public Health, Manuel Carmona. "Given the preliminary results of the Los Angeles County soil study, everyone should practice precautions within the neighborhoods identified in the study but there is no indication that community members or visitors need to avoid outdoor activities at city parks." To view each park's lead and heavy metal level results, view the map.

On April 10, 2025, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) reported elevated lead levels in soil samples from residential properties across two Pasadena neighborhoods, exceeding the DTSC screening threshold of 80 ppm and prompting further evaluation. The City of Pasadena conducted follow-up testing at selected parks both within the neighborhoods identified in the study and adjacent to the areas.

"We are very pleased with the findings and are excited to reopen our fields with the comforting knowledge that they are safe for use," said Koko Panossian, Director of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. "With this in mind, we highly encourage everyone to follow Public Health guidelines to make your health a priority.

Children are especially vulnerable due to their hand-to-mouth behavior and potential to ingest or inhale contaminated soil. Lead exposure can occur through swallowing, skin contact, or inhalation, and contaminated soil may be tracked indoors on shoes or clothing. To reduce potential exposure, PPHD recommended precautionary measures, including restricting access to park areas with exposed soil, taking steps to prevent soil from being tracked indoors, and promoting lead-safe cleaning practices. In response to the LACDPH test results, the City Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department closed the baseball infields at Washington Park and Victory Park to conduct soil sampling. Although outside the sampled areas, Alice's Dog Park, Allendale Park, Hamilton Park, and Robinson Park were also tested out of an abundance of caution.

Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) recommends residents follow proactive measures when interacting with soil that is known or assumed to have lead.

Outdoors:

• Prevent children and pets from digging or playing in exposed soil
• Cover exposed soil with grass, mulch, wood chips, gravel, or ground cover plants to reduce dust and prevent direct contact (prioritize play areas, garden paths, and spots near doors or patios)
• Remove dirt from sidewalks, patios, driveways, and other hard outdoor surfaces by spraying with a hose
• Wash hands after contact with soil and before eating
• Wash pet paws and toys after contact with soil
• Review the LACDPH Fire Recovery Guidance for recommendations on home gardens

Indoors:

• Remove shoes before entering your home or use "sticky mats" in entryways to remove dust from your shoes
• Use doormats and wash them regularly
• Frequently wet mop entryways and hard floor surfaces
• Use a wet cleaning method to capture and remove dust from horizontal surfaces
• Avoid cleaning methods that can resuspend dust in the air such as dry-sweeping or vacuuming without a HEPA filter
• Run air purifiers that use HEPA filters

Residents who are more vulnerable to lead exposure, or who have children under the age of six in the household, are recommended to engage a professional to assess the need for soil testing on their property. If you decide to hire a professional, select the lab before collecting soil samples because each lab will have specific testing guidelines. Soil test kits sold at garden stores are not recommended because they cannot test for many contaminants or heavy metals. A list of soil testing resources can be found at the PPHD Lead Poisoning Prevention Frequently Asked Questions guide. Before sending your sample, call or check the lab's website for details on:

1. Test types, cost, and sample instructions, and
2. Turnaround time and if they provide a detailed report.

Lead in the body can be measured by a blood test for lead. If you are concerned about potential exposure to lead from the wildfire, obtain blood lead testing for yourselves and your children in one of three ways:

1. Visit Your Medical Provider
   • Ask your doctor for a blood lead test.
   • Testing is covered by most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.
2. Make an appointment at a Quest Lab for a Free Blood Lead Test
   • Dial 1-800-LA-4-LEAD to request a free appointment through Quest Labs.
   • Simple, convenient, and confidential.
3. In-Person Mobile Blood Lead Testing

For a limited time, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will offer FREE mobile blood lead testing. Upcoming events are listed below. Additional events will be added in the months to come. More information can be found at the Fire Safety and Health information website.

Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church

1879 N. Lake Ave., Altadena, CA 91001

Time: Noon - 5 p.m.

Location: Eaton Health Village/Pasadena Seventh Day Adventist Church

1280 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104

Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Location: La Pintoresca Park for Family Fun Day

45 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103

Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at CityOfPasadena.net; follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena; or call the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.

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