Lead Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, June 6, 2025

Following the tragic Eaton Fire that burned over 14,000 acres earlier this year, concerns over potential soil contamination and exposure risks to lead and other heavy metals became a focus of public health officials in the region.

According to the Pasadena Office of the City Manager:

On April 10, 2025, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) released preliminary test results for soil collected from 413 properties inside and adjacent to the Eaton Fire burn area, and assessed the samples for fire-related chemicals of concern such as heavy metals. The preliminary results indicate areas outside and downwind (south) of the burn area had a higher percentage of soil samples with lead levels above health-based screening thresholds. Lead can be present at residential properties due to a variety of factors, particularly in neighborhoods with homes built before 1978 when lead paint was commonly used.

Several parks in Pasadena were subsequently closed due to lead contamination concerns until more testing could be completed. In late April, it was announced those parks would reopen to the public after more recent test results came back below state and federal thresholds.

“The screening threshold for lead in soil at residential properties in California is 80 parts per million (ppm), which is lower than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s screening level of 200 ppm,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “It’s not just fires that can lead behind lead dangers, soil contamination issues in former industrial areas is also all too common. The good news is lead poisoning is entirely preventable when exposure risks are identified and properly handled.” 

LA Testing, with laboratories throughout California, is here to help those concerned about the potential presence of lead or other contaminants in the soil around athletic fields, playgrounds, homes, schools, or businesses. Their laboratories provide quick and affordable environmental and material testing. These tests can help to determine contamination levels, as well as be used for post-remediation clearance testing. LA Testing also provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, and personal protective equipment.

To learn more about lead or other environmental, health, and safety testing resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. For access to lead test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  

  

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.