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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is offering free blood lead testing to residents concerned about exposure following the January wildfires. The initiative aims to help individuals assess potential lead contamination from ash, soot, and fire debris. Testing will be available through May, with the possibility of an extension.
Residents can access the testing at various locations, including a walk-in clinic on Saturday (April 26) at the Arts and Literacy Festival in Santa Monica's Virginia Avenue Park. Testing will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with no appointment necessary. Additional mobile testing events are planned across the region, and residents can also visit healthcare providers or call 1-800-LA-4-LEAD to schedule a free appointment at a local Quest Diagnostics lab.
Public health officials warn that contaminants from the fires pose serious health risks, especially for those living within 250 yards of burned structures. As cleanup efforts continue, officials urge caution, noting that wind and weather changes may spread toxins beyond the initially affected areas.
For more information on wildfire recovery and health services, residents can visit lacounty.gov/emergency.