Pasadena health officials have provided a set of guidelines for residents and schools to avoid contact with lead, elevated levels of which have recently been detected in areas downwind of the Eaton Fire.
Last week the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported soil test results conducted between mid-February and mid-March found a higher percentage of residential properties exceeded state 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, Pasadena officials said. The second area’s boundaries are North Altadena Drive on the west, Orange Grove Boulevard on the south, Washington Boulevard/Eaton Drive to the east and Washington Boulevard to the north.
The county test results used the California Department of Toxic Substances Control’s screening levels that are stricter than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s, according to a city statement. Lead levels under the county screening threshold “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.” Health official said state soil-lead screening levels do not imply a need for clean up or remediation but reveal the need for further evaluation.
At 80 parts per million, California’s screening threshold for lead in soil on residential properties is below the EPA’s 200 ppm screening level, which the agency reduced from 400 ppm in 2024.
The source of lead in Eaton Fire ash is likely from the burning of older homes that have lead-based paint, officials said. Half of the soil samples in the county’s preliminary test results do not exceed lead screening thresholds, and it’s unclear if the lead in the soil detected in the study resulted from the fire or other sources such as being near a freeway, deteriorating paint or other factors unique to specific properties.
“Soil testing at sensitive sites is a practical next step following the county soil study results,” Manuel Carmona, Pasadena Public Health director, said in a statement. “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.”
Children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure, which occurs by swallowing, skin contact or inhaling lead-contaminated soil, according to the health department. People can bring lead-contaminated soil particles into homes or businesses via 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,” according to the city.
In the Pasadena neighborhoods that had a higher percentage of residential properties exceeding the county screening levels, soil testing is needed at schools and early childhood education centers where children are more likely to play in or on lead-exposed soil. Until soil testing is completed, the health department is attempting to reduce potential exposure by restricting access to areas with exposed soil, taking measures to prevent the tracking of soil and dust into buildings and implementing lead-safe cleaning techniques.
“Our highest priority will always be the health, safety, and well-being of our students and employees,” Elizabeth Blanco, superintendent of the Pasadena Unified School District, said in a statement. “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 schools and early child education facilities within the impacted Pasadena communities, PPHD “strongly recommends”:
- Consulting a qualified professional to do soil testing for heavy metals and if necessary, conduct a clean-up and remediation effort; and
- Taking immediate steps to implement the following within a reasonable timeframe and continue these practices until test 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.”
Officials added that these recommendations may benefit all schools and early childhood education centers in Pasadena, including those outside the two identified areas designated for further lead testing in the soil. Pasadena Public Health continues to request state and federal support for additional testing, officials said.
These PPHD guidelines are for residences:
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 areas 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 county’s Fire Recovery Guidance website for recommendations about home gardens.
Indoors
- Remove shoes before entering a home or use “sticky mats” in entryways to remove dust from 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 send dust into the air such as dry-sweeping or vacuuming without a HEPA filter.
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters.
Blood tests to detect lead are available by visiting a doctor — testing is covered by most medical plans, including Medi-Cal. Quest Labs provide free blood tests for lead, appointments are available by calling 800-LA-4-LEAD.
For a limited time, the county health department will offer free mobile testing. The next mobile testing event is set for April 27 from noon-5 p.m. at the Eaton Health Village/Pasadena Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1280 E. Washington Blvd. in Pasadena.
On Tuesday the LA County Board of Supervisors approved $3 million for lead soil testing in communities downwind and south of the Eaton Fire burn area.
