PUSD Initiates Independent Soil Testing to Safeguard School Communities After the Eaton Fire; Takes Additional Precautionary Measures

April 16, 2025

Dear PUSD Community,

As part of our continued commitment to the health and safety of our students and staff, I want to share an important update regarding soil testing in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recently released findings showing elevated levels of lead in soil samples collected near the fire zone. While these results did not come from school grounds, out of an abundance of caution, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is taking additional proactive measures by conducting independent outdoor bare soil testing at all school campuses and district sites.

We want to be clear: there is no indication at this time that any PUSD campuses are unsafe or that anyone is in immediate danger. All schools remain open, and daily-use areas – such as grass fields, turf, mulch, and gravel – are considered safe. The primary concern lies in bare soil, which is limited across our district.

What’s Next?

Soil testing will begin the week of April 21, 2025, and will be conducted by a certified environmental firm using state public health protocols.
Testing will focus on bare soil in areas such as gardens, fields, and play spaces.
Samples will be tested for the following: Metals: Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium (total and Hexavalent), Copper, Nickel, Zinc, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Dioxins and Furans and Asbestos fibers.
Testing at each site will take about one day, with minimal disruption to school operations.

We expect to receive results approximately four weeks after sampling. Families and staff will be notified directly, and all findings will be posted on the district’s website at pusd.us/firerelief-safety. If elevated levels are detected, the district will take immediate action in coordination with health experts, which may include capping or removing affected soil, restricting access, or implementing other recommended safety measures.

Outdoor Areas and Activities

As part of the soil testing process at school sites, all areas with bare dirt – including athletic fields – will be temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution. This is a precautionary step to ensure the safety of students and employees while testing is conducted.

These areas will be clearly marked with signage, fencing, or other barriers to prevent access during this period. Areas with safe ground cover – such as grass, astroturf, mulch, wood chips, gravel, or improved surfaces like concrete or asphalt – will remain open and available for use, in alignment with guidance from the Pasadena Public Health Department.

While only a few athletic teams regularly use bare dirt fields, we recognize how essential these spaces are for practices, competitions, and student engagement. To minimize disruption, PUSD has proactively identified alternative locations for PUSD athletic activities so that student-athletes can continue their seasons with as little interruption as possible.

We are working closely with school administrators to ensure every team has the space, equipment, and resources needed to continue their activities.

Support and Health Resources

Families concerned about potential exposure can access free blood lead testing through:

Your family doctor (covered by most insurance)
Quest Diagnostics via LA County’s free program – call 1-800-LA-4-LEAD
In-person mobile testing event:

📅 Sunday, April 27

🕛 12 PM – 5 PM

📍 Eaton Health Village/Pasadena Seventh Day Adventist Church

1280 E. Washington Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91104

We are working closely with the California Environmental Protection Agency, the Pasadena Public Health Department, and other state and local agencies to ensure every step we take is grounded in science and focused on safety.

As always, we are committed to full transparency and keeping you informed. We know how important it is to protect not just the physical safety of our campuses, but the trust and confidence of our school communities.

The district remains committed to supporting our students, employees, and families and ensuring that the health and safety of our entire school community is our top priority.

Thank you for your partnership and continued support.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Blanco, Ed.D.

Superintendent

04-16-25 PUSD Initiates Soil Tests

April 16, 2025

A Message from Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco

PUSD Initiates Independent Soil Testing to Safeguard School Communities After the Eaton Fire; Takes Additional Precautionary Measures

04-16-25 PUSD Initiates Soil Tests

April 16, 2025

A Message from Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco A Message from Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco

PUSD Initiates Independent Soil Testing to Safeguard School Communities After the Eaton Fire; Takes Additional Precautionary Measures

A Message from Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco