Pasadena Unified Initiates Independent Soil Testing In Response to Lead Level Findings

In response to findings released last week by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health regarding elevated lead levels in soil samples collected near the Eaton Fire burn area, the Pasadena Unified School District announced Wednesday it is undertaking additional safety measures by conducting independent outdoor soil testing at all campuses. The District described the initiative is part of the District’s ongoing commitment to the safety of students and employees.

The recent findings were not from school grounds, and at this time, there is no indication that any PUSD campuses – or District sites – are unsafe or that anyone is in immediate danger, the District pointed out in a statement.

All PUSD schools remain open.

The areas where students and employees spend time daily, such as grass fields, astroturf, mulch, and gravel, are considered safe for children and adults, according to the District.

“The primary concern is with bare soil, which is limited across our campuses and District properties,” the statement said.

“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. “The 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 will continue to keep our school communities informed and engaged every step of the way.”

While state and federal agencies have not undertaken soil testing in these areas, “out of an abundance of caution” PUSD is engaging a certified environmental contractor to assess soil conditions at all school campuses and District facilities

The District is working in collaboration with the Pasadena Public Health Department and is following its guidance for schools, which was released to PUSD on April 15:

“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.”

The preliminary assessments by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health revealed that soil samples from properties southwest of the Eaton Fire burn scar exceed state health screening thresholds. Many of the impacted structures include homes built before 1978 that likely contain legacy lead-based paint.

PUSD’s testing plan was reviewed by the California Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and includes:

• Conducting outdoor soil sampling at all schools and District facilities. The methodology used is random sampling based on best practices.
• Sharing results with school communities and posting them publicly on the District’s website at pusd.us/firerelief-safety.
• Implementing necessary remediation actions if elevated levels are found.
• Maintaining regular communication with families, employees, and the public.

The District plans to begin testing next week, and results are expected within four weeks after sampling. The District will immediately notify communities if any site requires remediation, including any adjustments.

Updates and results will be posted at pusd.us/firerelief-safety.

As part of the soil testing process at school sites, all areas with bare dirt – including athletic fields – will be temporarily closed. This is a precaution to ensure the safety of students and employees while testing is conducted.

Areas with safe ground cover like grass, rocks, mulch, or wood chips, as well as improved surfaces – such as concrete or asphalt – may remain open and available for use, following guidance from the Pasadena Public Health Department.

Although only a few athletic teams typically use bare dirt fields, the District understands how important these spaces are for practices and competitions. To minimize any disruptions, PUSD has proactively identified alternative locations so that athletic activities can continue as planned.

To enforce these temporary closures, all bare dirt areas will be blocked off using signs, fencing, or other barriers.

For more information on soil testing and available public health resources, residents can contact the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health at 1-800-LA-4-LEAD (1-800-524-5323) or visit ph.lacounty.gov/wildfires .

Anyone concerned about potential exposure to lead from wildfire can obtain blood lead testing for children and themselves through:

Visiting Your Medical Provider

• Ask your doctor for a blood lead test.
• Most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal cover testing.

Visit a Quest Lab for a Free Blood Lead Test

• Dial 1-800-LA-4-LEAD to request a free appointment through Quest Labs.

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 Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website ph.lacounty.gov/wildfires

Date: Sunday, April 27

Time: 12 to 5 pm

Location: Eaton Health Village/Pasadena Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1280 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena