The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is hosting its last free community blood testing event this Friday. This initiative aims to screen residents who were affected by the January firestorms for potential lead exposure, a harmful neurotoxin often found in ash and debris from wildfires.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Altadena Community Center, located at 730 E. Altadena Drive. Residents impacted by the wildfires can also continue to receive free blood lead tests at a Quest Diagnostics lab until the end of the year by calling (800) 524-5323.
So far, testing has shown that while elevated lead levels have been detected in the soil of the Eaton and Palisades fire burn areas, community screenings reveal that most residents have low levels of lead contamination. Of the over 1,500 people screened in earlier events, only seven had blood lead levels exceeding the federal threshold of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, indicating that the vast majority of those tested are not at risk.
Health officials are encouraging wildfire survivors to take advantage of this opportunity, as lead exposure can pose serious health risks. Children are especially vulnerable due to their developing nervous systems and their tendency to play close to the ground. Lead poisoning in children can lead to developmental delays and learning difficulties. Pregnant women are also at risk, facing potential complications such as premature delivery and low birth weight babies.
The concern over lead exposure has grown due to research showing that wildfires, particularly those that burn urban areas and synthetic materials, can release toxic metals into the environment. These contaminants can persist long after the fires have been extinguished.
Earlier this year, testing revealed that 36% of soil samples from the Eaton burn scar exceeded the state health standard for lead. In some areas southwest of the Eaton fire zone, the contamination levels were even higher, with 70% to 80% of samples above the standard. While no widespread contamination was found in the Pacific Palisades area, isolated spots of heavy metals like arsenic were reported.
Los Angeles County has allocated $3 million from previous lead-paint settlement funds to support soil testing for homeowners living within one mile downwind of the Eaton scar. Residents interested in soil testing can find more information and check their eligibility on the county’s soil-testing program website.
As the community prepares for this final testing event, health officials emphasize the importance of taking proactive steps to ensure safety and health in the aftermath of the wildfires.