Water Damage and Mold Found at Former Lake Tahoe Area Middle School

Recently, The Record-Courier published an article about a former middle school in the Lake Tahoe area that has been on the market for the past six years. According to the article, a developer’s bid to purchase the vacant school was put on hold when due diligence found several hundred thousand dollars in needed repairs, including water damage and mold.

Anytime a building or home sits unoccupied there is the risk of water damage and mold growth. Even a small roof or plumbing leak, left unattended for weeks or months, can turn into a major cost to repair as a little water or moisture can lead to rot and the widespread growth of mold indoors.

Unless properly repaired and remediated, any future building occupants exposed to elevated concentrations of mold could experience respiratory concerns. A common response is an allergic reaction which could be immediate or delayed. Allergic responses often include hay fever-like symptoms such as headache, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. For many people who suffer from asthma, exposure to mold can trigger an attack. Mold is also an irritant that can cause issues with the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of individuals whether or not they are allergic to it.

“It’s always important to conduct a thorough investigation into the health and indoor environmental quality of a home or property before making a purchase or signing a lease, especially if it has been vacant for some time,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Those concerned about the possible presence of mold indoors should strongly consider having some tests conducted. At LA Testing, we provide mold testing, sampling supplies and even easy-to-use test kits. We also offer field inspection instruments, such as moisture meters and infrared cameras, which can be essential for finding the source of any moisture that could result in mold growth.”

LA Testing has sponsored an educational video about indoor mold that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/QPWConEJW9Q.

To learn more about mold and indoor air quality (IAQ) testing or other environmental, occupational, health and safety services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794.  For access to indoor environmental 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