Jackson Elementary School campus in Altadena (File Photo – Wes Reutimann)
In light of recent findings by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health regarding elevated lead levels in soil near the Eaton Fire burn area, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is taking swift and comprehensive action to ensure the safety of its students and staff.
By News Desk
While the findings were not related to school grounds, PUSD is undertaking independent soil testing at all of its campuses as part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe learning and working environment.
No Immediate Danger, But Precautionary Measures in Place
The elevated lead levels discovered in soil samples collected southwest of the Eaton Fire burn scar do not directly impact any PUSD campuses. According to district officials, there is currently no indication that any school or district site is unsafe. “Our schools remain open, and the areas where students and employees spend most of their time—such as grass fields, astroturf, mulch, and gravel—are considered safe for use,” said Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, Superintendent of PUSD.
The primary concern revolves around bare soil, which is limited in areas across the district. As a precaution, the district has implemented a thorough testing plan to evaluate soil conditions across all campuses and district facilities. The move comes after the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s preliminary findings, which indicated that soil in certain areas near the Eaton Fire burn scar exceeds state health safety thresholds, particularly in properties near homes built before 1978 that may contain lead-based paint.
Independent Soil Testing and Collaboration with Health Experts
PUSD is working closely with the Pasadena Public Health Department and adhering to its guidance to ensure that all testing and remediation efforts follow best practices. The district has engaged a certified environmental contractor to perform random soil sampling at all school and district sites. This testing will begin next week, with results expected within four weeks. The district is committed to transparency and will post the results of all testing on its website at pusd.us/firerelief-safety, as well as notify the community if any areas require remediation.
“Soil testing at sensitive sites is a practical next step following the County soil study results,” said Manuel Carmona, Director of Pasadena Public Health. “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.”
What Does This Mean for Students and Staff?
While the testing is underway, the district will temporarily close all areas with bare soil on school campuses, including athletic fields, to ensure the safety of everyone on site. This precautionary measure will help prevent any exposure during testing. Areas with safe ground cover—such as grass, mulch, wood chips, and other surfaces like asphalt—will remain open for use.
PUSD recognizes the importance of athletic fields for student activities, especially for athletic teams, and has proactively identified alternative locations for practices and competitions to minimize disruption. The district is committed to ensuring that students can continue to participate in sports and other activities while the testing takes place.
Temporary closures of bare dirt areas will be clearly marked with signs, fencing, or other barriers to prevent access. As soon as testing results are available, the district will take any necessary remediation steps if elevated lead levels are detected.
Ongoing Communication and Transparency
PUSD officials are emphasizing their commitment to keeping families, employees, and the wider community informed throughout this process. In addition to posting testing results on the district website, the district will maintain regular communication with stakeholders to provide updates on testing progress and any actions taken.
“Our highest priority will always be the health, safety, and well-being of our students and employees,” Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, Superintendent of Pasadena Unified School District, stressed. “We are committed to full transparency and will continue to keep our school communities informed and engaged every step of the way.”
Next Steps
PUSD will begin testing next week, with results expected within a month. Any site requiring remediation will be addressed promptly, and the district will continue to work closely with health authorities to ensure a safe environment for all.
For residents who want more information about the soil testing process or public health resources, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is available at 1-800-LA-4-LEAD (1-800-524-5323) or at ph.lacounty.gov/wildfires.
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