Los Angeles-area wildfires left lead in soil, but how much and where remains contentious
An EPA study indicates that most properties affected by the Eaton Fire have lead levels below hazardous thresholds. However, some scientists express skepticism about the adequacy of the testing methods used. Concerns remain among residents regarding potential contamination and the thoroughness of the cleanup process.
- ▪The EPA tested soil from about 1% of the homes burned in the Eaton Fire and found that most properties do not have hazardous lead levels.
- ▪Only five out of 100 tested lots exceeded EPA screening standards for lead, while seventeen exceeded California's stricter standards.
- ▪Concerns persist among residents due to the lack of soil testing before and after the cleanup, leading to uncertainty about contamination risks.
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Western WildfiresLos Angeles-area wildfires left lead in soil, but how much and where remains contentiousAn EPA study found most properties have lead levels below what federal regulations say is dangerous. Some scientists worry that’s not the whole picture.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Add NBC News to GoogleContractors allege problems with L.A. wildfire cleanup03:19Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 20, 2026, 6:00 PM EDTBy Evan BushAfter testing soil from about 1% of the homes burned down in the Eaton Fire, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said residents should feel assured that most properties cleared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers don’t have hazardous amounts of lead. At least one outside scientist is skeptical.
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