Study Links Wildfire Smoke Exposure to Reduced Immune System Function

Late last month, CAL FIRE announced that they had moved to peak staffing levels in San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.  The announcement comes as California continues to be hit hard by a lingering drought that is expected to result in a busy wildfire season.
 
From January 1st through March 22nd, CAL FIRE had already responded to 800 wildfires.  This compares to 275 wildfires that would be seen during that timeframe in a typical year.  As temperatures continue to rise, with little rain relief expected soon, people in areas susceptible to wildfires are on edge.
 
This news comes after a recent study funded by the Air Resources Board (ARB) that links wildfire smoke exposure to reduced immune system function.  The study was conducted at the California National Primate Research Center.  The ARB-funded research project, “Persistent Immune Effects of Wildfire PM Exposure During Childhood Development”, looked at the effects of PM2.5 exposure with young rhesus macaque monkeys.  An ARB news release about the study states, “This is the first time fine particle pollution has been shown to influence the branch of the immune system that combats infectious disease.”
 
One California laboratory that provides expert analysis of smoke damage and fire residues for residents impacted by wildfires is LA Testing.  “These services can be important for identifying airborne pollutants that have impacted the indoor environment of a home or building,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility.  “Not only can wildfires create health issues, but wildfire smoke can also damage belongings and impact a property’s value.  LA Testing provides comprehensive analysis for both air and surface samples to identify the presence of smoke residue contaminants.”  
 
LA Testing recently produced an online video about smoke damage that can be seen at:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owo8lIoVTuk. To learn more about testing for smoke damage, char, carbon black, soot, and other indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental issues, please visit www.SmokeDamageTestingLab.com or www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.

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