California Elementary School Recovers from Expensive Flood Damage

Not too long ago, the Merced Sun-Star published an article about flood damage surrounding an elementary school in Merced County. According to the report, a strong storm earlier this year caused a creek to overflow its bank and flood four classrooms and a library with about a half a foot of water. The article states that the repairs could cost the school district up to one million dollars to return the building to safe conditions for students and faculty.

A few inches of water can cause expensive flood damage as occurred with this elementary school. This is due in part to the fact that a great deal of damage can be out of sight and because flood waters can bring microbial and chemical contaminants into a property that could cause indoor air quality (IAQ) and health concerns. Even clean water that is not properly removed within 48 hours can allow for the growth of mold which is a known allergen, respiratory irritant and asthma trigger for many people with the condition.

“The fact that a library, filled with books and magazines, was also flooded provides for more potential mold challenges because paper is a material mold tends to grow on,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Even books that didn’t get wet directly could grow mold simply due to elevated humidity levels. If flooding takes out the power, a damp room may have no air flow or cooling for days. This creates an ideal condition for the explosive growth of mold.”

To help in natural or manmade flooding events, LA Testing provides mold, bacteria and chemical testing services; sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits; and field inspection instruments, such as moisture meters and infrared cameras, which can be essential for locating the source of indoor moisture.

To learn more about mold and 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