Parents Learn of Mold Discovery in Part of California Middle School

Just before the start of the new school year, mold growth was discovered in a middle school in Fillmore, California. An article, published in the Ventura County Star, stated the local school district had hired professionals that isolated the mold growth to begin abatement work.

In a letter, written by the school district superintendent and sent home to parents, the mold is reported to be “present in the drywall attic space over the boy’s locker room, storage room, coach’s shower/restroom and over the stage area within the gym.” The roof of the school had been repaired in 2013, but an inspection revealed issues that required immediate attention.

“If moisture enters a building, due to a leaky roof or other source, it will support mold growth on many building materials, furnishings and personal belongings in as short as 48 hours if the materials remain wet,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Fortunately, in this instance, it was caught and addressed because students or faculty exposed to elevated levels of mold in the air they breathe could experience a myriad of health issues. Molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold may cause an allergic reaction and can even trigger an asthma attack in people with the condition that are sensitive to exposure.”

Controlling humidity and moisture indoors is the first step in preventing mold growth. Since it often grows in places that are out-of-sight, air and surface testing for mold can be an important step for identifying its presence indoors. In California, one of the leading laboratories for identifying mold issues is LA Testing. With multiple locations across the state, LA Testing offers a wide range of mold and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) laboratory services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and inspection tools. 

To learn more about mold and IEQ testing or other environmental, occupational, health and safety services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794.  For access to indoor environmental test kits, 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) 8563032503

Contact via E-mail