The Pasadena Public Health Department this week issued a set of recommendations for schools to follow after a county study found higher levels of lead in soil samples.
A Los Angeles County Department of Public Health study found a higher percentage of parcels that exceeded the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) screening levels for lead in two Pasadena communities, according to the city.
The first community is bounded by Lincoln Avenue on the west, Washington Boulevard on the south, North Altadena Drive on the east and the city limit on the north. The second area is bounded by North Altadena Drive on the west, Orange Grove Boulevard on the south, Washington Boulevard/Eaton Drive on the east and Washington Boulevard to the north.
“Soil testing at sensitive sites is a practical next step following the County soil study results,” Pasadena Director of Public Health Manuel Carmona said in a statement. “We continue to meet with the school district, private schools, and early childhood education centers to review our guidance and ensure they have the information needed to help protect youth in the Pasadena community.”
The city said those screening levels used in the study are stricter that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency screening level. DTSC soil lead screening levels, according to the city, are not intended to imply a need for clean up or remediation but indicate a need for additional evaluation.
Children can be exposed to lead by swallowing, having skin contact or breathing in lead-contaminated soil. Contaminated soil particles can get inside through lead dust on shoes and clothing. Pasadena Public Health said until soil testing can be completed at sensitive sites where children are more likely to play in exposed soil the department is closing access on the sites to areas with exposed soil, taking measures to prevent tracking of soil and dust in buildings and implementing lead-safe cleaning practices.
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