For Immediate Release
January 28, 2025
PUSD Releases Environmental Testing Results for Schools Impacted by Wildfires
Extensive Report May Include “Other” Potential Common Indoor Dust Elements
Pasadena, CA (Jan. 28, 2025) - The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) today announced the release of environmental testing results for schools affected by the recent Eaton Fire. As a precautionary measure, PUSD hired Envirocheck, a certified environmental testing provider, to assess soot, char, ash, and pH levels within the impacted buildings.
Envirocheck conducted extensive tests at various locations within the affected school buildings, including door handles, lobby desktops, cabinet tops, tops of storage shelves, center carpets, and cabinet tops at windows. This comprehensive approach ensured a thorough assessment of potential contamination. The testing followed industry-standard protocols and used state-of-the-art equipment to measure fire-related contaminants with high precision.
“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students, employees and school communities,” said PUSD Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco. “We recognize the concerns about wildfire impacts and are committed to providing transparent and timely information. We encourage everyone to review the test results and FAQs on our website.”
The report also makes note of “other” components observed in the sample, if present. These can include everyday indoor dust elements like skin cells, insect fragments, pollen, mold spores, sand, fibers from construction materials and paint. An “X” in this category does not mean that abnormal presences were detected, simply that some amount was observed.
Following recommendations from an industrial hygienist and in collaboration with the California Department of Education, California Department of Emergency Services, Los Angeles County Public Health Department, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, soil tests were not conducted. However, out of an abundance of caution, our contractor removed the top two inches of sand from playgrounds and irrigated the school fields. The AQMD monitors for lead, asbestos and other toxic substances in the air as part of their ongoing program. Officials from AQMD report that lead and asbestos levels in the Los Angeles Basin have returned to pre-fire background levels.
The district will monitor daily air quality using California Department of Public Health guidelines. When air quality concerns arise, administrators will be promptly notified and will implement established air contaminant emergency procedures, which include keeping students indoors, restricting outdoor activities and providing additional monitoring for students with pre-existing heart or lung conditions.
The detailed test results and reports are now available for public viewing on the district’s website: pusd.us/firerelief-safety.
To address community concerns and provide transparent information, we have also compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to the testing methodology. The FAQ is available on the district’s website: pusd.us/firerelief-safety
Extensive Cleaning and Remediation Efforts Undertaken
Prior to reopening, all sites, including PUSD schools, offices, and the service center, as well as campuses occupied by charter schools, underwent rigorous cleaning and sanitization procedures. More than 1,500 workers, including PUSD Maintenance and Operations staff and a specialized contractor, were involved in the cleaning process. To date, 159 tons of debris have been removed from district sites.
Prioritizing Safety and Collaboration
During the cleaning process, regulated work areas were established to prevent cross-contamination, and strict worker safety protocols were observed, including HEPA filtering of aerosolized particulates.
PUSD collaborated with various agencies throughout the remediation process, including the California Department of Education, California Department of Emergency Services, Los Angeles County Public Health Department, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.