PASADENA, Calif.- On April 10, 2025, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) released the soil sampling study results which found a higher percentage of residential properties exceeded California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) screening levels for lead in two Pasadena communities. The first community is bounded by Lincoln Avenue (on the west), Washington Boulevard (on the south), North Altadena Drive (on the east), and the city limit on the north; and the second is bounded by North Altadena Drive (on the west), Orange Grove Boulevard (on the south), Washington Boulevard/Eaton Drive (on the east), and Washington Boulevard to the north.

The LACDPH study results applied California DTSC screening levels stricter than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) screening level. Lead levels below the screening threshold used by LACDPH are considered protective over a lifetime of exposure even for the most vulnerable people, while levels above the screening threshold indicate a potentially unsafe amount of lead in the soil. DTSC soil lead screening levels are not intended to imply a need for clean up or remediation but indicate the need for additional evaluation. For more information on LACDPH's preliminary soil test results, read the press release.

Children can be exposed to lead by swallowing, having dermal (skin) contact, or breathing in lead-contaminated soil. People can introduce lead-contaminated soil particles into buildings as lead dust on shoes or clothing. Additional precautions are needed for children under six years of age, since very young children tend to put their hands in their mouths and some young children eat soil.

Within the Pasadena neighborhoods that had a higher percentage of residential properties exceed the screening levels, soil testing is needed at sensitive sites where children are more likely to play in or play on exposed soil including schools and early childhood education centers. Until soil testing can be completed at these sites, PPHD is implementing strategies to reduce potential exposure for youth at sensitive sites by closing access to areas with exposed soil, taking measures to prevent tracking of soil and dust inside buildings, and implementing lead-safe cleaning practices.

"Soil testing at sensitive sites is a practical next step following the County soil study results," said Manuel Carmona, Director of Public Health. "We continue to meet with the school district, private schools, and early childhood education centers to review our guidance and ensure they have the information needed to help protect youth in the Pasadena community."

"Our highest priority will always be the health, safety, and well-being of our students and employees," said Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, Superintendent of Pasadena Unified School District. "Pasadena Public Health Department's guidance helps ensure that every student and employee can learn and work in a safe environment. We are committed to full transparency and have already implemented PPHD recommendations and will continue to keep our school communities informed and engaged every step of the way."

For educational settings and early child education centers within the Pasadena communities defined above, PPHD strongly recommendsthey:

1. Consult a qualified professional to conduct soil testing for heavy metals and if needed, complete remediation; and
2. Take immediate steps to implement the following within a reasonable timeframe and maintain these practices until testing results are available (or remediation is completed, when needed).

• Close all field areas with exposed soil using signs, fencing, or other barriers to prevent children from playing in or walking in the area.
  • Areas with improved surfaces such as concrete or asphalt as well as areas with ground covers such as grass, rocks, mulch, or wood chips may remain open and available for use.
• Close school gardens using signs, fencing, or other barriers to prevent children from accessing the area and conducting harvest activities.
• Avoid consuming produce harvested from school gardens.
• Prevent children from playing in soil and watch children carefully to prevent them from eating soil.
• Keep soil outdoors by using sticky mats or using doormats outside entryways to help keep soil from being tracked indoors.
• Increase access to handwashing stations and build in time for students and staff to wash their hands after outdoor activities.
• Wet mop building entryways and hard floor surfaces at least once daily.
• Wash toys after contact with soil.

These recommendations may be beneficial to all education settings and early childhood education centers within Pasadena, including those outside the communities defined above. Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) continues to request state and federal support for additional testing.

Residents who are concerned about potential exposure to lead from wildfire can obtain blood lead testing for themselves, and their 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. Go to 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.

Date: Sunday, April 27

Time: Noon - 5 p.m.

Location: Eaton Health Village/Pasadena Seventh Day Adventist Church

1280 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104