Legionella Exposure Risks Have Some California Residents Concerned

Over the past several months there have been a multitude of media reports about Legionella, the cause of Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever, in places across California. An article described its discovery at a VA Hospital in Loma Linda, one discussed Legionella in the cooling tower of a university in Orange, and yet another chronicled the closure of a community pool in an adult neighborhood in Palm Springs due to Legionella fears.

These were just a few examples of concerns and reactions due to the presence of Legionella in water sources throughout California that have made the news. People’s unease is real, as anyone can get Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in a mist or water droplets that have been contaminated with Legionella bacteria, although certain groups are more likely to become seriously ill when infected. These groups include individuals who are 65 years of age or older, smokers, people with chronic lung disease, and individuals with a weakened immune system.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more illness associated with Legionnaires’ disease is typically found in the summer and early fall, but it can happen any time of year.” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “This type of bacteria can sometimes be found in plumbing systems, hot tubs, cooling towers and decorative water features. Environmental testing for it in these locations can help to identify exposure risks so they can be addressed before anyone becomes infected. Testing is also instrumental for identifying the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred.”

With laboratories throughout California and the rest of the United States and Canada, LA Testing and its parent company EMSL Analytical, Inc. offer environmental testing services for Legionella. They provide traditional culturing methods and advanced PCR and DNA sequencing test methods along with all of the sampling supplies necessary.

To learn more about Legionella testing or other environmental, occupational, health and safety services, 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, 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.

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Joseph Frasca

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LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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