California Residents Advised of Potential Lead Hazards in Homes

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported that lead poisoning is one of the most common environmental illnesses in California, but is completely preventable. The agency goes on to state that while many products that contained lead have been phased out, the toxic heavy metal may still be found in and around older homes and buildings, in certain occupations and hobbies, and in some consumer products, remedies and foods.

Exposure to lead can affect nearly every system in the body and although people of all ages can be at risk of exposure, children are especially vulnerable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no safe blood lead level in children has been identified and at least 4 million households in the United States with children living in them are still being exposed to high levels of lead.

In California and throughout the nation, a frequent source of residential lead exposure is due to the past use of lead-based paints. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that if a home was built before 1978, there is a good chance it has lead-based paint. The agency also reports that lead from paint, including lead-contaminated dust, is one of the most common causes of lead poisoning.

“Lead can also be found in tap water in some homes,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “The CDC states that lead can be found in some metal water taps, interior water pipes or pipes connecting a house to the main water pipe in the street. Lead found in tap water frequently comes from the corrosion of older fixtures or from the solder that connects pipes. If water sits in leaded pipes for several hours, it may leach into the water supply.”

California residents concerned about lead exposure risks from indoor or outdoor sources can turn to LA Testing for answers. LA Testing, with multiple laboratories across the state, offers comprehensive testing for lead from air, dust, water, soil, paint and other types of materials and environmental samples. They also provide all of the sampling supplies needed and even carry a series of easy-to-use test kits.

To learn more about lead testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. To access lead and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), 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, San Diego and Ontario.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail