More Air Tests for Los Angeles Area Homes Near Contaminated Groundwater Plume

Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Times published an article about chemical concerns in homes located near several South Bay Superfund sites.  Last month, the newspaper published a follow-up report that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered new air quality tests after finding additional chemical concerns in some homes.

The neighborhoods in question exist over a plume of contaminated groundwater from the Montrose and Del Amo Superfund sites. According to the article, recent tests have found chloroform, trichloroethylene (TCE) and benzene in air samples.

The Superfund sites are the result of past industrial activities that occurred in the area.  Much of the contamination is believed to be due to a plant that produced DDT and a synthetic rubber factory that dumped chemical waste years ago. Over time, these chemicals made their way into the groundwater and have now spread to surrounding areas and created a hazardous groundwater plume.  These chemicals can now migrate into structures built over the area in a process known as vapor intrusion.

“Anytime air tests show the presence of hazardous chemicals at levels that could pose immediate or long-term health concerns in people’s homes, they need to be informed,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility.   “For people concerned about potential contamination issues in the air they breathe, LA Testing offers comprehensive vapor intrusion testing services and all of the sampling supplies needed to identify chemical contaminants.  If tests reveal an issue, people can take steps to protect their families and there are corrective actions that can then be implemented to help mitigate the problem and prevent further exposure to dangerous chemicals.”

LA Testing has sponsored an educational video about vapor intrusion that can be seen at:
https://youtu.be/0TLCXmehOwE.

To learn more about testing for vapor intrusion, TCE, benzene or other environmental, health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing 
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for 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, CDC ELITE, 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, Sierra Madre, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) (856) 303-2503

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