Los Angeles Area Residents Concerned Over Lead & Arsenic Hazards from Recycling Plant

Garden Grove, CA, October 18, 2013

Last month, the Los Angeles Times published a report about area residents’ concerns over exposure to lead and arsenic from a Vernon battery recycling plant.  The plant is one of the largest of its kind on the West Coast.  It has been around for decades and is located in an area with a dense population.

The Los Angeles County Department of Health has announced it will be offering free blood testing to address lead poisoning concerns.  In addition, state regulators have ordered dust testing for lead and arsenic as well as soil testing.

According to a Los Angeles Business Journal article, the plant had been temporarily shut down earlier this year by order of state regulators due to potentially hazardous emissions from the plant.  A County Superior Court Judge allowed the plant to reopen several months later.

The EPA states that, “Acute (short-term) high-level inhalation exposure to arsenic dust or fumes has resulted in gastrointestinal effects (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain); central and peripheral nervous system disorders have occurred in workers acutely exposed to inorganic arsenic. Chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure to inorganic arsenic of humans is associated with irritation of the skin and mucous membranes and effects in the brain and nervous system.”  Regarding lead, the EPA reports, “Lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body. Children six years old and younger are most susceptible to the effects of lead.” 

One local company that provides environmental testing for both lead and arsenic is LA Testing.  LA Testing has a network of laboratories in California that provide testing services to the public, environmental consultants, industry and government regulators.  “Exposure to lead and arsenic can have a devastating impact on people’s health,” reported Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility.   “LA Testing can help identify both of these toxic materials through a variety of sampling methods to help determine if they are reaching people’s homes, businesses and schools.”

LA Testing has sponsored an educational video about arsenic exposure risks that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/QIjNcli0kvA

To learn more about testing services for arsenic, lead or other indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.  LA Testing has laboratories throughout California to service commercial clients and government agencies as well as the general public.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-303-0047

jfrasca@emsl.com