When Floods Strike in California - Residents Turn to LA Testing

When floods hit California homes and businesses, residents need to be aware of potential hazards that may impact the indoor air quality of a building.  Even though these issues may seem like the least of a person’s worries right after a flood has caused damage to their building, failure to take certain steps can create long-term hazards for building occupants.
 
Excessive moisture in a structure after a flood is an indoor air quality and environmental concern for a number of reasons, including:
 
• Any microorganisms brought into a building during flooding may present a health hazard. These organisms can penetrate deep into soaked, porous materials and later be released into the air or any remaining water.
 
• High humidity and moist materials provide ideal environments for the rapid growth of microorganisms that were already present in the home before the flood.
 
• Long-term increases in humidity in a building can also foster the growth of dust mites, which are a major cause of allergic reactions and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.

LA Testing, one of California’s leading indoor environmental quality testing laboratories, is often called upon by flood victims to help determine if their home or property is safe from both chemical and biological contaminants after a flood has occurred.  “Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, including bacteria and mold,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “After the flood waters have receded, many of these microorganisms can become airborne.  If inhaled, they could cause disease, trigger allergic reactions or even an asthma attack.”
 
During cleanup, people should be aware of additional health and safety concerns. This includes potential exposure to lead, dust and asbestos fibers in older buildings as well as any chemical pollutants that may have been part of the flood waters.  To help educate people about flood cleanup and indoor pollutants, LA Testing has sponsored a video that can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q1tnHFkPF0.

To learn more about testing for indoor air quality (IAQ) or environmental contaminants following a flood, 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.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) (856) 303-2503

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