Public Health Department Provides Guidance to Prevent Lead Exposure in Response to Eaton Fire Soil Preliminary Test Results

PASADENA, Calif.— On April 10, 2025, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) released preliminary test results for soil collected from 413 properties inside and adjacent to the Eaton Fire burn area, and assessed the samples for fire-related chemicals of concern such as heavy metals. The preliminary results indicate areas outside and downwind (south) of the burn area had a higher percentage of soil samples with lead levels above health-based screening thresholds. Lead can be present at residential properties due to a variety of factors, particularly in neighborhoods with homes built before 1978 when lead paint was commonly used.

At 80 parts per million (ppm), California’s screening threshold for lead in soil at residential properties is lower than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) screening level of 200 ppm, a threshold that was recently reduced from 400 ppm in 2024. Lead levels below the California screening threshold are considered protective over a lifetime of exposure, even for the most vulnerable. Test results above threshold are not intended to imply clean up or remediation is required but suggest a need for further evaluation as individual areas may have unique contributing factors.

The source of lead in the Eaton Fire ash is expected to be from the burning of older homes. Half of the soil samples in the preliminary results do not exceed lead screening thresholds, and it remains unclear if the lead in the soil identified in the study is from the fire or other sources such as being close to a freeway, deteriorating paint, or other unique factors on individual properties. The results suggest the need to consider further evaluation, and the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) continues to request state and federal support for additional testing.

In response to the preliminary results, PPHD recommends residents follow proactive measures to help protect you and your family from potential lead exposure.

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. 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:

• Visit Your Medical Provider
  • Ask your doctor for a blood lead test.
  • Testing is covered by most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.
• 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.
• 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 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