I am very disappointed in the amended ban on leaf blowers. Leaf blowers are bad for the environment and people’s health.
The amended ban needs to be clear that gas blowers are still banned. Gas blowers are being used throughout the city and nothing is being done to stop the use. Better to ban all leaf blowers.

PASADENA, Calif. — The City of Pasadena contracted the services of an industrial hygienist to perform lead and asbestos testing in nine City facilities located in areas closest to the fire perimeter. While there were no specific concerns about environmental hazards at these facilities, the City conducted testing out of an abundance of caution to confirm that the facilities remained safe and to share data with the Pasadena community.

Testing was completed at eight of nine City facilities. Asbestos was not detected and all lead measurements were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Dust Lead Action Level (DLAL) of 5 micrograms of lead per square foot (µg/ft2), a strict standard that was established to protect children in homes and childcare centers. Testing at the final facility is scheduled to be completed this week and the City Facility Environmental Test Results map will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Mobile air monitoring conducted by South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) on January 31, 2025, showed no elevated levels of heavy metals (such as lead or arsenic) or benzene. Overall, the AQMD results were within background levels and below national standards and state health thresholds. Some elevated levels of methane, possibly from gas leaks, were detected in Altadena and AQMD reported the results to utility agencies for further investigation. PurpleAir and AirNow share real-time information helpful for assessing air quality conditions.

“These initial facility and air monitoring test results are promising and should ease our worst fears about environmental impacts of wildfires,” said Director of Public Health, Manuel Carmona. “More data is needed to make determinations about the potential risks to public health. The Pasadena Public Health Department continues to work with academic partners and county, state, and federal agencies to understand environmental impacts,” said Carmona.

With AQMD mobile monitoring and City facility test results on hand, the City of Pasadena amended the temporary leaf blower ban to allow the use of power air blowers and air propelling devices (such as leaf blowers) outside the 2025 Eaton Fire perimeter and at least 50 feet from any fire damaged structure. The city-wide temporary leaf blower ban was initially issued on Wednesday, Jan. 15 to help limit the potential health impacts of Eaton Fire ash, smoke, and particulate matter. Ash and debris cleanup efforts and recent rain showers have reduced the presence of dust across the community.

Debris and ash from fire damaged structures may contain lead, asbestos, arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, or other toxic materials which can pose serious health risks. In areas where ash and dust are still present, the Pasadena Public Health Department encourages residents to consider alternatives to power air blowers. Residents should gently sweep areas before mopping or using a High Energy Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum and wear a well-fitted NIOSH approved respirator (such as an N95 or P100), long sleeves, pants, goggles, and gloves to protect their skin and eyes from any potential toxic substances.

To safely and properly mitigate health risks posed by the wildfire, the City continues to partner with county, state, and federal agencies to ensure coordination and access to recovery resources. The City of Pasadena remains committed to protecting the community’s public health and safety.