The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is about to start self-collection soil-testing program for residents downwind of the Eaton Fire, where the most significant lead levels were found recently.
On April 15 the Board of Supervisors directed Public Health to use up to $3 million from the county’s Lead Paint Hazard Mitigation Program to fund the residential soil-testing initiative. The effort follows soil sampling by Roux Associates and confirmed by Caltech, the Los Angeles Times and other independent researchers, officials said.
Health officials and soil-testing experts were expected to provide additional information on the new program at a media briefing scheduled for Thursday morning in Pasadena. The media event would include demonstrations of how residents should collect soil for the do-it-yourself program, officials said.
On April 11, county health officials announced elevated levels of lead were found in residential areas south and downwind of the Eaton Fire’s burn area.
Last week, the Pasadena Unified School District reported that soil testing showed elevated levels of contaminants on 12 campuses.
Children, the elderly and adults who are pregnant or have existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to the toxicity of lead and other heavy metals.
Burned lithium-ion batteries, electronics, household appliances and other items release contaminants into the environment.
Public Health provides more information on post-fire health concerns on the agency’s website.
Updated May 21, 2025, 10:17 a.m.
