Baseball fields at Pasadena parks reopened after more soil testing

After further soil testing, Pasadena reopened the baseball fields at Washington and Victory parks.

The city closed the fields last week out of an abundance of caution after the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health found that lead levels exceeded state and federal guidelines in the neighborhoods surrounding the Eaton Fire burn scar. The results triggered additional tests in the area and the adjacent neighborhoods, including Washington and Victory parks and five other parks.

However, the further screening showed that lead levels were below the California Department of Toxic Substances Control guidelines of 80 parts per million and much lower than the Environmental Protection Agency's threshold of 200 ppm. Additionally, test results for heavy metals showed that they were below state and federal regulations. 

"These test results demonstrate there is no evidence that levels of lead or other heavy metals are harmful to health at these city parks," Director of Public Health Manuel Carmona said. "Given the preliminary results of the Los Angeles County soil study, everyone should practice precautions within the neighborhoods identified in the study but there is no indication that community members or visitors need to avoid outdoor activities at city parks."    

Pasadena said it found the highest level of lead, 51.9 ppm, at Washington Park's tree area. The lowest detection, 1.9 ppm, was at Robinson Park's north ball field.

"We are very pleased with the findings and are excited to reopen our fields with the comforting knowledge that they are safe for use," Parks and Recreation Director Koko Panossian said. "With this in mind, we highly encourage everyone to follow Public Health guidelines to make your health a priority."

After the preliminary test results, the Pasadena Public Health Department released guides for residents to protect themselves from lead. 

Outside:

• Prevent their children and pets from digging or playing in exposed soil 
• Cover exposed soil with grass, mulch, wood chips, gravel or ground cover plans to reduce dust and prevent direct contact
• Remove dirt from sidewalks, patios, driveways and other hard outdoor surfaces by spraying with a house 
• Wash hands after contact with soil and before eating
• Wash pet paws and toys after touching soil 

Inside:

• Remove shoes before entering a home or use sticky mats to remove dust and dirt from your shoes 
• Use doormats and wash them regularly 
• Mop entryways and hard floor surfaces frequently 
• Avoid cleaning methods that would send dust into the air 
• Run air purifiers that use HEPA filters

The city also tested soil at Alice's Dog Park, Allendale Park, Hamilton Park and Robinson Park. The results can be viewed below:

While scientists said that the LA County area produces many potential sources of lead, they pointed to a Caltech study that found that 90% of the homes in Altadena were built before 1975. Lead-based paint was common in houses before the federal government banned it in 1978.