Recent Rain Storms Cause Mold Concerns in California Schools

In late January, California’s Fox40 News broadcasted a report about mold concerns at an elementary school in the Stockton Unified School District. In the report, a parent of an asthmatic child attending the school was informed by her child that there may be mold in the classroom. 

The student was told this by their teacher after several roof leaks in the classroom came to light after recent rains. The teacher had reportedly informed the school district of the situation, but apparently nothing had been done to address those concerns, so students were told of the situation by their teacher. The school district has since confirmed that mold is present in the school and it is being addressed. 

Exposure to mold can cause a wide variety of health concerns. Mold is a common asthma trigger for people with the condition and it is a known allergen and respiratory irritant. For people with a weakened immune system, some types of mold found in water damaged buildings can even cause opportunistic infections.

“Indoor air quality issues due to mold or other airborne contaminants can cause illnesses, increased absenteeism and impact the learning environment,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility. “In a school or any indoor environment, it’s important that any leaks or moisture issues are immediately addressed since mold can begin to grow in as short as 48 hours on any damp materials used to build and furnish a building.”

For those concerned about the possible presence of mold in their child’s school, home or other indoor environment, LA Testing offers mold analysis, sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits. These services can help to identify a mold issue so that corrective actions can be implemented to stop the moisture problem and have the elevated levels of mold removed from their environment.

To learn more about mold and indoor air quality testing or other environmental, occupational, health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access to consumer-friendly indoor environmental test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

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 substances.  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, CDC ELITE, 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, 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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