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LA County to offer more blood tests for lead exposure
L.A. County is extending its program to offer free tests that let people check the lead levels of their blood.
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Topline:
L.A. County is extending its program to offer free tests that let people check the lead levels of their blood.
Background: Five months after the Eaton Fire, soil tests show elevated levels of lead and other toxic metals in and around Pasadena and Altadena. Pasadena Unified School District released the results of soil tests on May 14, showing elevated levels of lead and other toxic metals at 13 campuses. Pasadena baseball infields were also closed after elevated lead levels were found in other soil sampling.
Why it matters: Lead exposure is dangerous at any level, particularly for young children. It can cause behavior and learning problems and slowed growth among other issues.
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Get your blood tested: The county’s next testing day is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 24 at La Pintoresca Park as part of Pasadena's 28th annual Family Fun Day. The L.A. County Department of Public Health tells LAist the program will continue through August.
Can’t make it?
- Call (800) LA-4-LEAD to request a free appointment through the county.
- Ask your doctor.
- Check back here for upcoming mobile testing events.
Go deeper: Concerned about lead from the fires? LA County will test your blood for free
Reporter Cato Hernández contributed to this story.
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This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
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