Researchers across UCLA are partnering with community organizations to test soil samples from neighborhoods across Los Angeles County for contaminants such as lead and other heavy metals. A key leader in this work is Kirsten Schwarz, an associate professor in the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health who also teaches at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. Schwarz co-leads the LA Urban Soil Social Impact Collaborative, a community-university partnership that provides soil testing, education and practical guidance to help residents understand and manage potential risks in their yards and gardens.

Through a series of field events — including a recent testing day at MudTown Farms in Watts — the team has already screened hundreds of soil samples for local residents and offered consultations on ways to improve soil health and safety. Schwarz emphasizes that while testing is an important first step, communities also need accessible solutions, such as soil amendments and clean soil, to reduce exposure risks.

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