Following the Eaton Fire near the former Exide battery recycling plant, Los Angeles County officials have extended a free blood testing program due to concerns about lead exposure in surrounding communities.
The extension comes as residents voice anxiety over potential lead contamination stirred up by the blaze, which burned dangerously close to the already-contaminated site in Vernon. The county is now urging families, particularly those with children, to take advantage of the testing program.
Key Points:
- LA County has extended free lead blood testing in areas near the former Exide facility.
- The Eaton Fire may have disturbed lead-contaminated soil and ash.
- Officials are concerned about airborne lead particles impacting nearby residents.
- Community groups are calling for increased environmental monitoring and cleanup efforts.
- The Exide site has long been a public health concern, especially for children.
A Fire Rekindles Environmental Fears
The Eaton Fire, which broke out near the shuttered Exide battery recycling plant, reignited fears of toxic exposure in surrounding neighborhoods. The Exide site has been the focus of years of legal and environmental scrutiny after widespread lead contamination was discovered in the soil of nearby homes.
Public health officials worry that ash and debris from the fire could carry lead particles into residential areas, increasing the risk of exposure—especially for children, who are most vulnerable to the effects of lead poisoning.
County Response and Community Pressure
In response to community concerns, the LA County Department of Public Health is expanding its free lead testing program, which includes blood tests for residents in affected zip codes. The department is also distributing educational materials and urging residents to take precautions when handling ash or dust.
Environmental activists and local leaders are pushing for faster and more comprehensive cleanup efforts, citing delays and limited resources that have plagued the Exide remediation process for years.
Conclusion
The aftermath of the Eaton Fire has underscored ongoing health and environmental challenges tied to the Exide contamination site. With renewed urgency, public officials and residents are calling for broader testing, clearer communication, and a long-term commitment to environmental justice in South LA.
