California City Puts Apartment Complex Owner on Notice for Mold and Other Poor Conditions

Recently, The Modesto Bee published a report about an apartment complex owner being put on notice to make repairs or face costly penalties. According to the article, the Modesto Building Safety Program Coordinator inspected the property and found mold, cockroaches, missing smoke detectors, and other health and safety concerns. The apartment complex owner now faces up to $1,000 per day in code or civil penalties if the needed repairs are not completed in a timely manner.

The health of apartment renters can be impacted if they are exposed to elevated levels of mold or cockroach allergens. Prolonged inhalation exposure to mold can cause people to develop sensitivity to its presence. Even low levels of mold can cause health issues for people who are particularly sensitive. In addition to allergies, exposure to mold can trigger asthma and cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a condition that resembles bacterial pneumonia. For those with a weakened immune system, exposure to some types of mold associated with water damaged buildings can even result in infections.

Not only can cockroaches spread pathogens, but they are also a frequent cause of allergic reactions in people and are a known asthma trigger. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), droppings or body parts of cockroaches and other pests can trigger asthma. Certain proteins are found in cockroach feces and saliva and can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals.

“Cockroach infestations and mold contamination are reportable as substandard housing conditions,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “To help identify mold issues, cockroach allergens and other indoor environmental quality issues, LA Testing offers analytical services, sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits. Testing can be instrumental for renters before they decide to sign a lease or to help provide documentation of existing problems in a current lease. Before and after test results are also important to show that an apartment has been properly cleaned and remediated of contaminants.”

To learn more about mold, cockroach allergens or other environmental, occupational, health and safety testing 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

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LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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