People surround table with brochures under a canopy

Community Care: USC Dornsife Earth scientists Seth John, left, and Josh West instruct community members affected by wildfires on how to collect soil samples for testing. (Photo: Kate Weber.)

USC hosts post-wildfire soil and blood testing event in Altadena

ByDarrin S. Joy and Jim Key September 30, 2025

Recently, more than 375 residents gathered at Loma Alta Park in Altadena for a free Community Soil Testing Day hosted by USC’s CLEAN project and the Department of Angels. The event brought scientists, health experts and community partners together for a day of learning, connection and wellness designed to support neighborhoods impacted by the January wildfires.

Sujeet Rao stands behind lectern — Public Exchange Program Director Sujeet Rao addresses attendees at the soil testing event. (Photo: Courtesy of Department of Angels.)

Attendees submitted more than 150 soil samples for free lead testing and engaged directly with public health experts to learn how to safely collect and evaluate soil near their homes. More than 80 families also participated in free on-site blood lead testing provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Launched in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires, USC CLEAN — the Community-Led Engagement for Active remediation and Testing network — is the largest free post-wildfire soil testing program in L.A. County. The initiative is led by Public Exchange at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in partnership with USC Dornsife Earth scientists and public health researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC. To date, the CLEAN team has tested more than 3,300 soil samples from across the county.

“This wasn’t just about collecting data — it was about showing up for a community that’s been through a lot,” said Sujeet Rao, director of Public Exchange’s Health and Wellbeing Practice. “Our team is focused on ensuring USC’s expertise reaches beyond labs and classrooms, which is why we’re here today, helping people.”

The event was held in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and a wide network of grassroots and public-sector partners. In addition to testing and education, the event offered free refreshments, children’s activities, wellness programming including yoga and painting, and live music.

Volunteers also canvassed the surrounding neighborhoods to help collect soil samples from residents unable to attend.