Firefighters Moved out of Historic California Fire Station Due to Building Conditions and Health Concerns

Earlier this year, The Modesto Bee reported that firefighters from the busiest fire station in Modesto, California were being relocated from their historic building due to leaking roofs, buckling floors and concerns over their health and safety. According to the article, the city was moving firefighters next door to an area that is being converted into temporary living quarters until a final solution is made regarding the building.

One of the health and safety issues mentioned in the piece that is frequently associated with leaking roofs and water damage is the possible presence of mold. Although mold is a natural part of the environment, when it grows indoors and exposes building occupants to elevated levels in the air, it can lead to health issues. Mold is an allergen, irritant and asthma trigger for some people. Some types of mold also produce toxic substances known as mycotoxins and there are some species of mold associated with water damaged buildings that can also cause opportunistic infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system.

“Exposure to mold and damp conditions can lead to a host of concerns,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “If mold begins to grow indoors it needs to be addressed or the situation will typically only get worse. To help in these situations, LA Testing offers analytical services, sampling supplies and test kits to identify indoor mold throughout buildings in California. Testing provides evidence of what types of mold are present and at what concentrations. This information is crucial when post remediation tests are conducted to be able to compare the before and after results of any mold removal actions. LA Testing even carries a line of building inspection tools to identify water damage, including infrared cameras and moisture meters.”

The environmental laboratory specialists at LA Testing have also sponsored an educational video about health issues that can be caused by breathing in mold that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/61eTg1WfJHo.

To learn more about mold and indoor air quality testing (IAQ) or other environmental, occupational, health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794.  For access to indoor environmental quality test kits, please 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

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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