Water Main Break Causes Property Damage & Microbial Concerns in Los Angeles

In September, a local news station in Los Angeles broadcasted a report about a water main break in Los Angeles. Flooding occurred in an area with a number of businesses and several reportedly sustained varying degrees of water damage before emergency responders were able to shut off the water and divert the flow.

Due to the aging water infrastructure in many parts of Los Angeles, the city is no stranger to water main breaks. These events often damage properties with water entering homes and businesses where it can ruin furnishings, belongings and building materials.

Property owners, managers and tenants faced with any type of water damage should be aware of potential microbial issues that can quickly occur if the properties are not thoroughly dried and properly remediated in a timely manner. Standing water, wet materials and high humidity levels are a breeding ground for microorganisms such as bacteria and mold that can quickly create health and safety concerns and dramatically increase the cost to properly repair the damage.

“During cleanup and rebuilding efforts, these microbial contaminants can easily become airborne and spread throughout a property,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Exposure to elevated levels of mold can trigger asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and allergies in some people. Damage in older structures could also create exposure concerns due to existing asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paints during repair activities if these hazardous materials are not recognized and handled properly.”

LA Testing provides comprehensive analytical services and all of the sampling supplies necessary following flood and water damage.  Testing services include mold, bacteria, allergens, lead, asbestos and other indoor environmental quality contaminants.  LA Testing has also sponsored an online video about flood cleanup and indoor air quality issues that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/3Q1tnHFkPF0.

To learn more about testing for mold or other IAQ issues following water damage, 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 Huntington Beach, San Diego, San Leandro and South Pasadena.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail