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.

“Our highest priority will always be the health, safety, and well-being of our students and employees,” Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco said in a statement. “Pasadena Public Health Department’s guidance helps ensure that every student and employee can learn and work in a safe environment. We are committed to full transparency and have already implemented PPHD recommendations and will continue to keep our school communities informed and engaged every step of the way.”

PUSD announced Wednesday, April 16, that it would start independent soil testing next week. Results are expected within four weeks and will be posted on the district’s website.

During soil testing at school sites all areas with bare dirt, including athletic fields, will be temporary closed.

“Although only a few athletic teams typically use bare dirt fields, the district understands how important these spaces are for practices and competitions,” a PUSD statement read. “To minimize any disruptions, PUSD has proactively identified alternative locations so that athletic activities can continue as planned.”

On Tuesday, the LA County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to reallocate $3 million toward soil testing for parcels downwind of the Eaton fire within a one-mile radius as a response to the study’s findings.

Pasadena Public Health recommended the following steps at educational settings and early childhood education centers:

-Consult a qualified professional to conduct soil testing for heavy metals and complete remediation if needed.

-Close all field areas with exposed soil using signs, fencing or other barriers. Areas with improved surfaces including concrete or asphalt and ground covers like grass, rocks, mulch or wood chips may remain open.

-Close school gardens and avoid consuming produce harvested from school gardens.

-Prevent children from playing in soil and watch children to prevent them from eating soil.

-Keep soil outdoors by using sticky mats or doormats.

-Increase access to handwashing stations and build in time for handwashing after outdoor activities.

-Wet mop building entryways and hard floor surfaces at least once daily.

-Wash toys after contact with soil.