USC Launches Free Lead Testing Program for Los Angeles Communities Affected by Wildfires

The University of Southern California (USC) has launched a new initiative offering free lead testing of soil samples from areas potentially affected by recent Los Angeles wildfires. The Contaminant Level Evaluation & Analysis for Neighborhoods (CLEAN) project is now accepting samples by mail or at three community drop-off locations, including Altadena.

The program, developed by USC’s Department of Earth Sciences and Public Exchange, aims to rapidly evaluate and communicate lead contamination levels in soils and playgrounds in fire-impacted areas. Anyone in Los Angeles concerned about fire impacts on soil can participate in the cost-free program, the project announcement said.

“This is a developing initiative that aims to quickly evaluate and communicate the levels of lead contamination in soils and playgrounds in fire-impacted areas in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires in January,” the CLEAN project team said.

USC said while they’re currently only testing for lead contamination, they are exploring options to test for other contaminants in the future. Lead is particularly hazardous to human health, and testing results can identify areas where more in-depth investigation is needed – whether by government agencies, private landowners, or academic and nonprofit entities.

Residents can mail samples to CLEAN c/o Professor Seth John, 3651 Trousdale Parkway, USC ZHS 117B, Los Angeles, CA 90089, or visit one of three drop-off sites established for specific fire-affected areas.

For the Palisades Fire, samples can be delivered to either American Legion Post 283 in Pacific Palisades (authorized resident access required) or the Santa Monica YMCA.

For the Eaton Fire, samples can be dropped off at Grocery Outlet, at 2270 Lake Ave. in Altadena. Each location has specific hours listed for accepting soil samples, with details available through the project’s website, https://publicexchange.usc.edu/la-wildfire-soil-testing/.

When dropping off samples, residents should be sure to replace the lid of the bin after depositing their sample.

The CLEAN team emphasized that this testing program provides general updates on safety and potential exposure but is not designed to replace testing that government agencies or environmental remediation experts may do. Results cannot be used for regulatory compliance with state and federal remediation requirements.

Test results will be available within one to two weeks after sample submission, though results may be delayed depending on volume of submissions. The data will be uploaded to a Google sheet and mapped onto an interactive visualization to help residents understand contamination patterns across affected neighborhoods.

The university noted that its rapid response approach focuses only on lead testing to provide timely information to the public.

For more information or to engage with the project team, email cleanproject@usc.edu.