Heavy Rains Bring Drought Relief and Flooding to California

Early December brought much needed drought relief in many parts of parched California.  Unfortunately, along with the soaking rains came floods, mudslides and strong winds that toppled trees and caused property damage.

There have been widespread reports of homes and businesses sustaining water damage in some areas. In the San Francisco’s Mission District, some homes were flooded with sewage as the city’s sanitation pipes began to overflow. Many parts of the state received two to four inches of rain, but one area near the San Bernardino Mountains recorded almost 10 inches.

As residents begin the long process of cleaning and repairing their damaged properties, they are reminded to be aware of potential environmental hazards. Properties flooded with sewage may contain mold, bacteria, viruses and chemical contaminants.  Any standing water can quickly become a breeding ground for microbial growth and wet building materials and furnishing can quickly begin to show signs of mold growth. Older properties may contain asbestos or lead-based paints that can become aerosolized during cleanup and repair activities.

“We definitely needed the rain in California, but the quantities we received left many pockets of the state with property damage,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc. “People with damaged properties naturally want to repair their homes and businesses quickly so that life can return to normal, but they need to be aware of potential hazards.  At LA Testing, we provide comprehensive testing services following these types of flooding events. Services include testing for mold, bacteria, asbestos, lead and other hazards that may be present. These services can provide critical information that needs to be addressed so that those performing the repairs and future building occupants are not exposed to potentially harmful substances.”

LA Testing recently sponsored an online video about flood cleanup and indoor air quality issues that can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q1tnHFkPF0.

To learn more about testing for mold or other IAQ issues following a flood, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call 1-800-303-0047. 
 
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for food testing and 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

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail