The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued preliminary findings on soil contamination after the unexpected devastation wrought by the Eaton and Palisades fires. Sharp-eyed Angelenos downwind of the fires, particularly around the Eaton area, might want to pay attention: Elevated lead levels have been found in a higher percentage of soil samples speckling intact homes within the fire's breath. The release details that these initial numbers might signal a need for further inquiry, not necessarily a full-scale cleanup.
While no widespread contamination from fire-related chemicals was evident in the Palisades fire area, the soil from the Eaton fire told a different story. This discovery of lead levels higher than what health guidelines deem acceptable aligns with earlier findings that lead concentrations in air samples also rode the high end of the measurable scale right after the fire smoke cleared. A statement courtesy of Public Health pointed out the high lead frequencies, and while the investigation is ongoing, one likely culprit could be the combustion of lead-based paint from homes. CalTech tossed in an uneasy fact for residents of Altadena to chew on: Over 90% of their homes were built pre-lead-paint ban era—before 1975.
Looking at soil samples involves heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and dioxin checks. Conducted by Roux Inc., these samples have been plucked and prodded from a range of properties, both charred and untouched, within and nudging the perimeter of the burn areas. According to the county's findings, levels sitting under the screening bar are generally seen as safe over a lifetime's worth of exposure. While babies and pregnant folks are often more vulnerable, the free blood lead testing being offered might offer some peace of mind. It's quick, confidential, and doesn't require insurance; simply call 1-800-LA-4-LEAD for details.
Soil sampling results can be reviewed on the Public Health Post-Fire Assessment page.
