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Pasadena baseball fields closed for elevated lead levels
The infield of Washington Park's baseball field is closed due to elevated lead levels found in soil tests.
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Pasadena Parks and Rec
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Topline:
The baseball infields at Washington Park and Victory Park will be closed until further notice after elevated lead levels were found in soil sampling in a pair of Pasadena neighborhoods.
Why now: The city of Pasadena made the announcement Friday after the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported elevated lead levels the week prior.
Why it matters: Children, especially those under 6 years old, can be exposed to lead by swallowing, playing or breathing in contaminated soil. Lead particles can also be tracked indoors on clothes or shoes.
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The details: Some areas in northern Pasadena and around the Normandie Heights neighborhood are affected. You can find the details of specific street boundaries here. Public health officials “strongly” recommend that parks and fields within those neighborhoods test for heavy metals in the soil, close all areas with exposed soil to prevent children from playing in the area, suspend all youth sports or relocate to other areas and make sure everyone is able to wash their hands with soap and water.
Other effects: Robinson and Hamilton parks, as well as Alice’s Dog Park, are outside the neighborhood boundaries but will be tested anyway out of an abundance of caution. They will remain open in the meantime.
If you’re worried: You can get a blood lead test from your doctor by dialing (800) LA-4-LEAD for a free appointment through Quest Labs or through L.A. County’s free mobile events.
What’s next: The elevated lead levels don’t require cleanup or remediation, according to Pasadena public health officials. But testing is needed for areas where children are more likely to play on exposed soil.
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