California Property Owners and Renters Learn about Indoor Sewage Contamination Hazards

Sewage contamination doesn’t just occasionally close some of California’s favorite beaches, it also sometimes backs up into homes and buildings due to plumbing problems or local flooding events. When this happens, it creates an immediate health concern for anyone who works or lives in the property.

In addition to the unpleasant nature of sewage contamination, it can also expose people to a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and parasites. Standing water and wet materials allow many of these organisms to multiply and the introduced moisture can result in the rapid growth of mold indoors. In some circumstances, there could even be hazardous chemicals mixed in with the sewage.

“There are quite a few scenarios that can cause sewage contamination indoors,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Some of the most common reasons include a backed up or broken sewer line, a malfunctioning septic system or as a result of a local flooding event that brings sewage from the outdoors into the structure. If this occurs, contact with microbial pathogens could result from direct contact, ingestion or inhalation. Anyone exposed to sewage could be at risk, but health concerns for those with a weakened or suppressed immune system are especially high.”

Helping in these types of situations are the indoor environmental experts at LA Testing. They offer all of the sampling supplies necessary, easy-to-use test kits and a comprehensive range of testing services to identify microbial pathogens, fecal indicator organisms and chemical contaminants. Information from testing can be vital for not only protecting building occupants and workers, but also for filing an insurance claim and ensuring the property is properly remediated.

LA Testing recently sponsored an educational video about sewage contamination, property damage and exposure concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/mqQ62BmpNzo.

To learn more about indoor environmental testing (IEQ) or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794.  For access to IEQ 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 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, 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, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail