Mold Shuts Down Napa Department of Motor Vehicles’ Office

LA Testing offers mold and other indoor air quality (IAQ) testing services for commercial, residential and institutional facilities.

Pasadena, CA

Last month it was reported in the Napa Valley Register that the Napa Department of Motor Vehicles had to shut down an office for more than a week after mold was discovered in the building. According to the article, Stachybotrys fungi were discovered in the break room.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) fact sheet about Stachybotrys chartarum states that, “Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by its synonym Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold. It can grow on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint. Growth occurs when there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for its growth.” The CDC fact sheet goes on to state, “In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.”

LA Testing, an affiliate of EMSL Analytical and a leading IAQ testing laboratory, provides analytical services and testing supplies to help identify microbial contamination due to mold, bacteria and other sources. “It’s good to hear that the Napa Department of Motor Vehicles addressed the mold issue and according to reports has been cleared of the potentially hazardous mold,” reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. “Mold can cause all types of IAQ problems and can be quickly and efficiently identified through laboratory analysis,” he continued.

To help educate the public about IAQ issues and indoor allergen concerns, EMSL Analytical has cosponsored a public outreach video on the topic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT60D6xKenE

To learn more about mold or other IAQ testing services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 303-0047.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Ben Sublasky

National Director of Clients Services/Operations Manager

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail