Health Officials Urge Those Who Live, Work Near Exide Facility To Get Blood Lead Test

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Public health officials were urging residents living near Exide's battery-recycling facility in Vernon to get their blood tested.

Because the contamination has been blamed on the facility, county health officials have been offering the blood tests for free, reported Ed Mertz of KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO.

The aim is to determine whether residents have been exposed to lead.

"I think it's just for personal knowledge," said a woman identified only as Hemma, who signed up for a free test during an outreach event.

"I think potentially having lead in my blood system, I think it could come with serious complications for my health and I just want to be aware," she said.

Anyone who lives or works within a three-mile radius of the Vernon site can have one done.

The free tests will be offered at the Benjamin Franklin Branch Library on 1st Street Saturday, March 19.

For additional information on test options, locations, and dates, click here.