Mold Causes Closure of Treasure Island Fire Station

Last month, KTVU published a report about the temporary relocation of firefighters from San Francisco Fire Station 48.  The building, located on Treasure Island, was evacuated following a report from a mold consultant.  How long it will take to remove the mold and prevent it from reoccurring is unknown.  Until then, Station 48 is operating out of a nearby facility.
 
According to the article, “Firefighters said the conditions have caused them such health issues as nausea, short-term memory loss, even signs of early menopause.” A union representative was quoted discussing deferred maintenance issues that may have led to the mold growth.
 
Mold can begin to grow in as short as 24 to 48 hours when excessive moisture or water damage occurs in a building. Many building materials and furnishing can readily support mold growth when they are wet or damp.  Once the mold begins to grow, spores can be released into the air and cause a wide range of health concerns.  These include allergies, asthma attacks in sensitive individuals and even infections in some people.
 
“High levels of mold in an occupied building can cause many concerns, so it’s good to hear that the firefighters have been relocated until the mold has been properly remediated,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At LA Testing, we offer analytical services to identify mold from indoor environments. Testing services provide evidence of what types of mold are present and at what concentrations. This information can also be very helpful when post-remediation testing is conducted to be able to compare the before and after results of mold removal.”

LA Testing recently sponsored an online video about what mold needs to grow indoors that can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr6_zVT-SP0. To learn more about testing for mold 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
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, 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, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.

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