California Advisory about Mold and Pesticide Contamination in Homes Used as Illegal Marijuana Grow Operations

Earlier this year, the Mohave Desert News published an advisory message to area residents concerning potential health hazards being found in a large number of homes being used as illegal marijuana grow operations. The article specifically discusses water damage in these properties that results in widespread mold growth as well as the presence of significant amounts of insecticides and other pesticides.

Growing a large volume of any type of plant indoors without the proper ventilation will quickly create humid conditions that are highly conducive for the growth of mold. As mold grows it releases spores into the air that will be inhaled by building occupants and settle throughout a building. Elevated levels of mold in an indoor environment can cause a host of health concerns ranging from respiratory irritation and allergies to triggering asthma in some people with the condition. Some types of mold can even cause opportunistic infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system.

“These illegal grow operations in homes and businesses are not just a potential exposure threat to those currently living or working there,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Future property owners and tenants could be at risk from exposure to high levels of mold that may be out of sight, as well as the off-gassing of pesticides that may have been spilled or absorbed into fabrics, carpeting, furniture, and even walls and ceilings.”

To help identify indoor mold contamination issues and pesticide exposure concerns, LA Testing offers laboratory services, sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits. They also recently sponsored an educational video about indoor mold that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/QPWConEJW9Q.

To learn more about mold, indoor air quality (IAQ) or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. To access indoor environmental quality 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 general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, 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 and San Diego.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail