Los Angeles County is providing free soil testing for lead contamination to residents living downwind of the recent Eaton Fire, amid rising environmental health concerns linked to the nearby Exide battery plant.
After the fire burned through areas near the long-contaminated Exide facility in Vernon, health officials and environmental groups have raised alarms about the potential spread of toxic lead particles through smoke and ash. The county is now offering no-cost soil lead tests to assess contamination in home gardens and yards.
Key Points:
- Free soil lead testing is available for residents in impacted neighborhoods near Vernon.
- The Eaton Fire may have stirred up lead-contaminated soil around the Exide plant.
- Tests are offered by the LA County Department of Public Health and CalEPA.
- Residents can request soil sampling and testing through a simple online form.
- Environmental groups urge broader cleanup efforts and public awareness.
Lead Risks Reignite Post-Fire Concerns
The fire has refocused attention on the long-standing contamination from the Exide Technologies facility, which operated for decades as a battery recycling plant before being shut down in 2015. Cleanup has been slow and partial, leaving many homes in surrounding communities with unsafe levels of lead in soil.
Officials now fear that the Eaton Fire may have re-aerosolized or spread lead-laden ash across wider areas, putting residents at renewed risk—especially children and gardeners who interact directly with soil.
How to Access Free Testing
Eligible residents in neighborhoods downwind of the fire can apply for free soil testing through a program managed by LA County and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). The application form is available online and requires basic property details. After approval, a team will visit the property, collect samples, and provide results along with guidance on reducing exposure.
Conclusion
As LA County grapples with the environmental legacy of the Exide plant and the recent Eaton Fire, free soil testing represents a crucial step in assessing and mitigating ongoing health risks. Officials urge residents to act quickly to protect their families and advocate for more comprehensive cleanup in the region.
