Myriad of Mold Issues Challenge Public Schools in California Beach Community

Recently, the Daily Breeze published a story about a series of mold issues that have impacted schools in Manhattan Beach. The beach community has faced a multitude of mold concerns in various public schools since the start of the current school year. At least four elementary schools, a middle school and a high school have had mold problems.

In response, the article reports the school district recently announced a new indoor air quality management plan meant to deal with the mold and prevent new issues from arising. More personnel have been hired and increased monitoring is part of the plan.

Mold can quickly become an issue in a school or any type of building if water is allowed to infiltrate the structure, if internal plumbing issues are present or if elevated humidity levels occur. Moisture will support the growth of mold on many building materials, furnishings, books and personal belongings in as short as 48 hours in many circumstances if the materials remain wet.

“Students, teachers and other faculty that are exposed to elevated levels of mold in the air they breathe could experience a variety of health issues,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Exposure to mold can even trigger an asthma attack in people with the condition that are sensitive to its presence.”

The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) scientists at LA Testing help to identify mold, humidity and water damage issues in schools across California. They operate a network of laboratories throughout California that offer a wide range of IEQ testing services, all of the sampling supplies necessary and easy-to-use test kits to detect mold and other indoor pollutants. They also offer field instruments that can be essential for identifying water damage and moisture issues that can lead to mold growth.

To learn more about mold and IEQ 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.

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Joseph Frasca

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LA Testing

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