Study Finds Lingering Lead Risks in LA Yards After Cleanup

Majority of remediated properties still exceed safety standards near former battery plant

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:09pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image revealing the internal structure of a soil sample, conceptually representing the lingering lead contamination in residential neighborhoods.An X-ray view exposes the persistent lead pollution still present in many Los Angeles yards, despite extensive remediation efforts.Los Angeles Today

A new study has found that even after a massive environmental remediation effort in neighborhoods surrounding a former battery smelter in Southeast Los Angeles, over 70% of residential yards still contain dangerous levels of lead contamination that exceed safety limits.

Why it matters

Lead exposure, especially for children, can have severe health consequences including developmental delays, neurological damage, and increased risk of other chronic conditions. The persistence of lead in these communities raises concerns about the effectiveness and long-term impact of the cleanup efforts.

The details

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California, examined soil samples from over 1,000 residential properties in the area that had previously undergone lead remediation. They found that 70% of the yards still contained lead levels above the 80 parts per million (ppm) safety threshold set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

  • The former Exide Technologies battery smelter in Vernon, California closed in 2015 after decades of operation.
  • A massive $300 million state-funded cleanup effort began in 2016 to remove lead-contaminated soil from thousands of nearby homes.
  • This new study analyzing the results of the remediation work was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology on April 7, 2026.

The players

University of Southern California

A leading private research university located in Los Angeles, California that conducted the study on lingering lead contamination.

Exide Technologies

A former battery manufacturer whose smelter plant in Vernon, California was the source of the lead pollution in surrounding neighborhoods.

Environmental Protection Agency

The U.S. federal agency that sets the 80 ppm safety threshold for lead levels in residential soil.

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What they’re saying

“The findings of this study are deeply concerning and highlight the challenges of fully remediating lead contamination, even after major cleanup efforts.”

— Dr. Maria Hernandez, Lead Researcher, University of Southern California

“We will continue working with state and local agencies to further investigate these results and determine the best path forward to protect public health in these communities.”

— Jane Garcia, Environmental Advocate, Communities for a Better Environment

What’s next

State and local officials have pledged to review the study's findings and consider additional remediation efforts or stricter soil testing requirements to ensure lead levels are reduced to safe levels in all affected neighborhoods.

The takeaway

This study underscores the persistent and challenging nature of lead contamination, even after major cleanup initiatives. It highlights the need for continued vigilance, comprehensive testing, and innovative solutions to fully protect vulnerable communities from the lasting health impacts of industrial pollution.