Mold Discovery at Hospital in California Results in Closed Areas

The Argus-Courier recently published a story about the discovery of mold at a hospital in California that resulted in the temporary closure of several parts of the facility to safeguard patients and staff. According to the report, water damage was detected in the building which caused the mold growth.

No illnesses were reported by the publication, but the contaminated areas have been contained until they can be properly remediated. The presence of mold in any healthcare environment, especially one where surgical procedures take place, can be a significant health and safety concern for anyone with a weakened immune system. This is due to the fact that there are some types of mold that can cause opportunistic infections in these people.

One of these is known as Aspergillus. It is commonly found in buildings that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels. Aspergillosis is the name of the disease in humans caused by this type of mold. There are multiple kinds of the aspergillosis, including allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), allergic Aspergillus sinusitis, aspergilloma, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, invasive aspergillosis and cutaneous aspergillosis.

“Fungal diseases in healthcare or other built environments typically occur due to inhalation exposure or through cutaneous infection,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “This summer the public also witnessed the temporary closure of parts of a hospital in Washington after Aspergillus was detected there. In that case, it was reported that one incident had been fatal due to a fungal infection.”

LA Testing, with locations across California, provide air and other environmental testing services to identify the presence of Aspergillus and other types of mold and bacteria. The laboratory experts offer all of the sampling supplies needed, test kits and even building inspection tools to identify moisture issues that could lead to mold growth. LA Testing has also sponsored an educational video about aspergillosis and moldy indoor environments that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/z9rpI15Enao.

To learn more about mold, microbial pathogens and indoor air quality testing 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 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, San Diego and Ontario.

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LA Testing

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