Water Damage and Mold Concerns for Students Living in a Dormitory in San Diego

A news broadcast from KGTV recently highlighted problems some students were facing in their dormitory in San Diego at the end of last semester. Heavy rains in November caused flooding and leaks that resulted in over 40 students having to be relocated after their rooms were damaged.

According to their report, students complained of water coming through ceilings and around windows. The students also shared stories of humid conditions and moldy smells, including on their clothes that were stored in the dorm. The university is working on repairs to the affected dorm rooms so students can return.

In many situations like this, the presence of water, moisture and/or elevated humidity levels can result in the growth of mold in as short as 48 hours. Students or anyone exposed to elevated levels of mold may experience a myriad of health concerns. This is due to the fact that molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Exposure to mold can even trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition.

“As an irritant, mold can impact people’s eyes, skin, nose, throat and the lungs of individuals whether or not they are allergic to it,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Inhaling mold may also cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a disease that resembles bacterial pneumonia. In addition, exposure to certain molds associated with water damaged buildings, such as some types of  Aspergillus , may result in opportunistic infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system.”

To minimize chances of indoor mold growth it is essential to control indoor moisture and humidity levels. To help in this effort, LA Testing provides a myriad of inspection tools, such as moisture meters, infrared cameras and humidity sensors. Their California facilities also offer comprehensive laboratory testing for mold and other potential contaminants associated with water damage, all of the sampling supplies needed and carries a line of easy-to-use test kits to identify a number of common indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues.

To learn more about mold and IEQ testing, or for access to water damage detection tools, please visit  www.LATesting.com , email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access to indoor environmental quality 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

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