Homeowners and Tenants with Attached Garages in California Advised of Potential Airborne Hazards That Could Enter Their Home

California’s population of some 39 million people reside in approximately 13 million households. For many, whether buying or renting a home, having an attached garage is high on the list of desired amenities. Due to this fact, millions of homes have an attached garage, but the benefits they provide can also come with some health and safety concerns.

For example, an attached garage can be a source of indoor air quality (IAQ) issues. A major reason for this is any gases, vapors, fumes and particulates that are airborne in the garage can in some circumstances enter the home. One of the major concerns is carbon monoxide (CO). This odorless, colorless gas can cause sudden illness and death. It is produced any time a fossil fuel is burned so a vehicle running or a clothes dryer, hot water heater or furnace in the garage that is powered by natural gas or propane and is not properly vented could create unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide.

Another issue is the storage and use of various fuels, paints, cleaning compounds, fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals. These materials can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals into the air that could make their way into the home while they are being used or if they are not properly stored. A garage that suffers from leaks or elevated humidity levels can even be the source of mold growth.

“An attached garage that is positively pressured, as compared to the house, will increase the chance that garage air will make its way into the home,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “This can occur if there is an improperly sealed door leading into the home, through the (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) HVAC system if it is located in the garage or if there are vents or leaking duct work in the area. It can also occur if there are unsealed, cracked or damaged garage walls and ceilings. Even simply opening the door to the garage can allow pollutants to enter.”

California residents concerned about potential exposure to combustion gases, particulate matter, mold, VOCs or other airborne pollutants can turn to the indoor environmental quality professionals at LA Testing. With multiple laboratories throughout the state, they offer air quality analysis, sampling supplies, test kits, gas sensors and other monitoring equipment. They have also sponsored an educational video about attached garages and IAQ that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/axzby86uf54.

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