Guide for Californians Facing Mold Cleanup after a Flood

Water damage and mold due to natural disasters is such a significant issue in California and across the rest of the nation that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a document to help homeowners and renters deal with cleaning up after a disaster.

Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup after Disasters provides helpful information about some of the hazards people may encounter after a flood. It also includes tips to protect those faced with mold and repairing the damage. The document states that drying a home and removing water-damaged items is the most important step for preventing mold damage. If a home is flooded and it is not dried out within 24 to 48 hours, mold growth should be assumed. The mold may be visible along with a moldy odor, but it could also be hidden behind carpets, walls, cabinets and other out-of-sight locations.

“Exposure to elevated levels of mold can cause respiratory irritation, allergic reactions and may even lead to asthma attacks for some people with the condition,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Some types of mold can also cause infections in people with a weakened immune system. In addition, flood waters may carry sewage or chemicals into a home or building, resulting in exposure risks to viruses, bacteria and other hazards, in addition to mold.”

In California, LA Testing’s laboratories help to identify microbial and chemical contamination following any type of flood damage. They offer laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, personal protective equipment (PPE) and building inspection tools. LA Testing has even sponsored an educational video discussing the government’s mold cleanup guidance that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/BbNsFkwj10g

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