PASADENA, Calif.— On April 10, 2025, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) reported that soil sampling in two Pasadena neighborhoods revealed elevated lead levels above the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) screening threshold of 80 parts per million (ppm). Screening levels above 80 ppm do not imply the need for cleanup or remediation, but instead indicate the need for further evaluation. One neighborhood is generally bounded by Lincoln Avenue, Washington Boulevard, North Altadena Drive, and the city limit. The other neighborhood is generally bounded by North Altadena Drive, Orange Grove Boulevard, Washington Boulevard, and Eaton Drive.
Children can be exposed to lead by swallowing, prolonged skin contact, or breathing in lead-contaminated soil. Lead particles from contaminated soil can also be tracked indoors on shoes or clothing, becoming lead dust. Young children under six years old are particularly vulnerable, as they are more likely to put their hands in their mouths or even eat soil. Due to these behaviors, extra precautions are necessary to protect children’s health. Soil testing at sites is needed in areas where children are more likely to play in or play on exposed soil. Until soil testing can be completed at these sites, the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) is implementing strategies to reduce potential exposure for youth at sensitive sites by prohibiting access to areas with exposed soil.
The City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department is closing the baseball infields at Washington Park and Victory Park until results are available. Community members who use the infields will be notified about the closures and redirected to turf fields. Robinson Park, Hamilton Park, and Alice’s Dog Park are outside the identified neighborhoods but, out of an abundance of caution, exposed soil will be tested at these three locations. All three of these parks will remain open during testing.
“We are taking proactive steps to help ensure that our parks are safe for all visitors, especially young children who are most vulnerable to lead exposure,” said Koko Panossian, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. “Our community’s health and safety remain our top priority as we work closely with public health officials to help keep our parks a healthy and welcoming place for families to gather, play, and connect.”
For parks and youth sports fields with exposed soil, including but not limited to baseballdiamonds, soccer, track, and football fields within the Pasadena communities defined above, PPHD strongly recommends they:
1) Consult a qualified professional to conduct soil testing for heavy metals and if needed, complete remediation; and
2) Take immediate steps to implement the following within a reasonable timeframe and maintain these practices until testing results are available (or remediation is completed, when needed),
• Close all areas of fields with exposed soil using signs, fencing, or other barriers to prevent children and youth sports leagues from playing in or walking in the area.
o Areas with improved surfaces such as concrete or asphalt as well as areas with ground covers such as grass, rocks, mulch, or wood chips may remain open and available for use.
• Suspend all youth sports activities, including practices and games, that occur on exposed soil or relocate practices and games to improved surfaces or an area outside of the Pasadena communities defined above.
• Ensure access to handwashing stations with soap and water in temporary or permanent facilities.
• Build in time for youth sports league participants to wash their hands after outdoor activities.
These recommendations may be beneficial to all parks and youth sports activities within Pasadena, including those outside the neighborhoods defined above.
Individuals who are concerned about potential exposure to lead from wildfire can obtain blood lead testing for themselves, and their children, in one of three ways:
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Visit Your Medical Provider
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Ask your doctor for a blood lead test.
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Testing is covered by most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.
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Go to a Quest Lab for a Free Blood Lead Test
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Dial 1-800-LA-4-LEAD to request a free appointment through Quest Labs.
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Simple, convenient, and confidential.
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In-Person Mobile Blood Lead Testing
Date: Sunday, April 27
Time: Noon – 5 p.m.
Location: Eaton Health Village/Pasadena Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1280 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104
