The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has launched a free soil lead testing program for residents living downwind of the Eaton Fire burn area.
The program’s announcement comes after the Board of Supervisors’ motion directing Public Health to allocate up to $3 million from the county’s Lead Paint Hazard Mitigation Program to support the effort.
Initial soil sampling conducted by Roux Associates—and later verified by Caltech and the Los Angeles Times—identified the highest lead concentrations in residential areas directly downwind of the fire zone.
The program is expected to run through December 2025.
“Los Angeles County is committed to being responsive to the needs of our residents impacted by the Eaton Fire, which is why we’re providing soil testing resources and support to ensure residents can make informed decisions about their health,” Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said in a statement. “The Department of Public Health’s soil testing program is free, convenient and will provide concerned residents with accurate information about the environmental health of their soil.”
The initiative uses a self-collection model. Residents will receive simple instructions for collecting soil samples from their yards. They can drop them off at the One Stop Permit Center – Public Health Table, 464 W. Woodbury Road, Suite 210, in Altadena.
The drop-off site is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Certified laboratories contracted by the county will pick up the samples, and residents can expect results via email within seven to 10 business days.
Each result will include a link to an online resource that helps residents interpret their findings and provides health-based guidance for next steps.
To increase awareness and participation, about 26,000 homes in the most affected areas will receive postcards in the mail. Additionally, Public Health staff will conduct targeted door-to-door outreach.
Despite the new program, the county and city are facing lawsuits from renters in the area who accuse officials of failing to hold proper inspections before people move back in.
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