Is Lead Contamination Around Vernon Recycling Plant More Widespread than Previously Thought?

In July, KCAL, the Los Angeles CBS affiliate, broadcasted a report about the ongoing contamination issues surrounding a recycling plant located in a heavily populated area in Vernon, California. According to the news report, environmental health experts have found additional lead contamination in a much larger area than previously known.

The soil at 146 homes, out of thousands in the expanded area, was tested and many samples were found to have more than 1000 parts per million of lead. Previously, areas closer to the plant had been tested for lead and widespread contamination was found. The owners of the recycling plant were then ordered to remove contaminated dirt from impacted homes and a deal was reached between executives from the company that owned the facility and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Under the non-prosecution agreement, the plant would cease operations and pay $50 million to clean up the facility and neighboring communities.

“These new findings are a significant issue for the thousands of people who live in the expanded area that was recently tested,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility. “The news report states that the Department of Toxic Substances Control does not view the information of the expanded contamination area to be an emergency and this has many people living in the area concerned. Exposure to lead can affect almost every organ and system in the body and young children are highly susceptible to its presence.”

LA Testing offers affordable lead testing services for those concerned about the possible presence of lead in their yards or homes. Testing can provide residents with the information they need to protect their children and family from possible lead threats both inside and outside of their residence. They have also sponsored an educational video about protecting children from lead poisoning that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/LkEqFhNDS-U.

To learn more about environmental testing for lead or other environmental, health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing 
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, CDC ELITE, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail