LOS ANGELES — After county tests found elevated levels of lead in soil and near the Eaton Fire burn area, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider a motion Tuesday to allocate $3 million to help affected property owners conduct more detailed testing.

The county Department of Public Health released test results last week that showed elevated levels of lead, above health screening thresholds, in the soil at properties downwind from the Eaton Fire.

"The source of lead in the fire is reasonably expected to be from the burning of homes with lead-based paint, which was common prior to 1979," according to the Department of Public Health. "Caltech reported that more than 90 percent of the houses in Altadena were built before 1975."

The county agency noted, that "because there are many potential sources of lead in soil in the Los Angeles area, additional assessments will help understand how much of the lead found in the samples came from the 2025 wildfires versus other sources."

The county is expected to issue a final report in May.

"Those with concerns about their specific property may want to test their soil and/or consult an environmental professional about evaluating their property," according to a department statement. "In all areas with ongoing fire debris, residents are reminded to take precautions to not inhale, ingest or come into contact with ash, soot, and/or fire debris by using appropriate personal protective equipment.

"Additionally, community members are encouraged to review the soil sampling results and consider taking appropriate precautions if your home is in one of the areas where soil sample screening thresholds have been exceeded."

To assist property owners with that work, Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger introduced a motion that will be discussed Tuesday to make funds available to affected residents — generally those downwind and within a one-mile radius of the burn zone.

"The findings shared by the Department of Public Health are concerning for our residents who live near the Eaton Fire burn area and are now facing the possibility of soil contamination," Barger said in a statement.

"I'm aware some of my constituents want to test their soil but are worried about the cost. This motion is about making sure they have access to resources and support to protect their health and their homes."

If approved, the funds would be allocated from the county's Lead Paint Hazard Mitigation Program settlements.

The motion would also instruct DPH to contract with testing laboratories and provide assistance to property owners.

Additional information on the testing results is available online.