Soil Testing Reveals Increased Lead Levels in Fire-Affected Areas of Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES—Soil samples gathered from properties downwind of the Eaton Fire burn area showed heightened levels of lead, surpassing health screening limits, as reported by the county Department of Public Health.

Health officials noted that elevated lead levels were also identified in the Palisades Fire area; however, there was no indication of “widespread contamination” in that region.

“Levels that fall below the screening thresholds are regarded as protective over a lifetime of exposure, even for the most vulnerable individuals,” stated the department. “If levels exceed these thresholds, it does not automatically necessitate cleanup but indicates the need for further evaluation.”

The soil testing took place between mid-February and mid-March, involving samples from destroyed, damaged, and intact properties within the burn areas as well as from locations outside those zones. The tests assess levels of potentially hazardous materials expected after a wildfire, including “heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and dioxins.”

The purpose of this testing is to evaluate the overall environmental impact of the fires.

Health officials mentioned that the elevated lead levels recorded in the Eaton Fire zone aligned with similar results obtained from air quality testing conducted shortly after the January incident.

“The lead present in the fire is likely the result of the combustion of homes that had lead-based paint, which was common before 1979,” according to the Department of Public Health. “Caltech has found that over 90 percent of houses in Altadena were constructed prior to 1975.”

In the Palisades Fire region, “localized areas of heavy metals and PAHs” exceeding health thresholds were detected in some soil samples.

“The origin is currently unknown, but these findings are not indicative of communitywide impacts from fire-related smoke plumes,” emphasized health officials.

The county agency pointed out that “due to the numerous potential sources of lead in Los Angeles soil, further assessments will be needed to ascertain how much of the detected lead stems from the 2025 wildfires compared to other sources.”

The county plans to release a conclusive report in May.

“Individuals worried about their specific property should consider testing their soil and/or consulting an environmental professional for a property evaluation,” stated the department. “In areas with ongoing fire debris, residents are advised to take steps to prevent inhalation, ingestion, or physical contact with ash, soot, or fire debris by utilizing suitable personal protective equipment.

“Moreover, community members are encouraged to review the soil sampling results and take necessary precautions if their home is located in zones where soil sample screening thresholds have been exceeded.”

The Department of Public Health is providing free blood-lead testing for those anxious about potential exposure. This testing is accessible through residents’ medical providers, with most insurance plans covering the costs, or by contacting Quest Lab at 800-LA-4-LEAD, or attending mobile testing events held in various community locations.