Lead levels at six Pasadena parks below health screening levels
Lead levels at six Pasadena parks below health screening levels
Soils samples collected at six Pasadena parks showed lead levels below health screening levels, according to the city’s department of public health.
Alice’s Dog Park, Allendale Park, Hamilton Park, Robinson Park, Washington Park and Victory Park were included in the testing.
“These test results demonstrate there is no evidence that levels of lead or other heavy metals are harmful to health at these city parks,” Director of Public Health Manuel Carmona said in a statement. “Given the preliminary results of the Los Angeles County soil study, everyone should practice precautions within the neighborhoods identified in the study but there is no indication that community members or visitors need to avoid outdoor activities at city parks.”
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control has a screening threshold of 80 parts per million (PPM), which all parks were below. The EPA’s screening threshold is 200 PPM.
According to the city, the highest level of lead detection was found at the tree area of Washington Park at 51.9 PPM. The north ball field at Robinson Park showed the lowest levels of 1.6 PPM. The city tested for other heavy metals, which were also below both agencies’ thresholds.
City spokesperson Lisa Derderian said Tuesday, April 29, that all city parks are open and no further testing is planned.
Pasadena and Pasadena Unified School District conducted testing following a Los Angeles County study which found elevated levels of lead in soil samples in two Pasadena neighborhoods.
According to officials, the results of the county study did not automatically mean clean up was required but suggested the need for more testing. The board of supervisors approved reallocating $3 million toward soil testing in the Eaton fire burn area.
PUSD started testing soil samples at its school sites last week and is yet to release the results. The district said to expect results to be posted on its website within four weeks.
During soil testing at school sites all areas with bare dirt, including athletics fields, will be temporarily closed. Health experts said children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure due to their hand-to-mouth behavior and potential to ingest or inhale contaminated soil.
Exposure can occur through swallowing, skin contact or inhalation and can be tracked indoors on shoes or clothing.
With Beyoncé's Grammy Wins, Black Women in Country Are Finally Getting Their Due
February 17, 2025
Bad Bunny's "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" Tells Puerto Rico's History
February 17, 2025
Comments 0