Business Complex Fire Displaces Multiple Companies and Raises Indoor Environmental Concerns

A fire at a commercial building that housed a number of businesses in Novato, California has caused damage to the structure and has disrupted the operations of the companies that worked out of the facility. The fire occurred in mid-April and various media outlets have reported that some of the businesses suffered extensive damage while others are dealing with at least smoke and water damage.

As this story illustrates, fires in a multi-tenant building can be devastating to businesses and tenants even in areas not directly touched by flames. Water damage from sprinklers and fire suppression efforts can be clearly visible at times, but it can also occur out of sight behind walls, ceilings and under floors. Moisture that remains for more than 48 hours often results in the growth of mold. Once mold begins to grow, even when it grows in areas that are not visible, it can impact the indoor air quality (IAQ) of the building. Exposure to elevated levels of mold can trigger asthma in some people with the condition, can cause allergies and respiratory issues, and some types of mold can even result in opportunistic infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system.

“Another major ‘after the fire’ issue that can occur is smoke damage that can infiltrate the entire complex leaving behind residues that damage surfaces and equipment and will cause odor and other IAQ problems,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Many buildings also still contain materials with asbestos and lead-based paints. During demolition, repair and rebuilding efforts, these materials can be easily aerosolize if the proper safety precautions are not taken.”

The experts at LA Testing work to identify indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues and potential health hazards following fire damage. They offer analytical services for smoke residues, mold, lead, asbestos and other hazardous materials and exposure risks. LA Testing also provides all of the sampling supplies necessary and even offers easy-to-use indoor environmental test kits.

To learn more about property damage and indoor environmental quality testing, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access to IEQ 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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