Resources for California Residents Impacted by Water Damage and Mold Following a Natural Disaster

Storms cause billions of dollars in property damage to homes, businesses, schools and other institutions. California is no exception, with heavy rains, floods, strong winds, storm surge and even a handful of tornadoes hitting the state each year.

Many of the properties that get damaged end up with various degrees of water damage. Anytime there is moisture or elevated humidity levels indoors, even if it’s just for a short period, mold can quickly begin to grow. The presence of mold can cause a myriad of health concerns for building occupants and those tasked with making repairs. Anyone who is sensitive to mold may experience a stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing or skin irritation. For those with mold allergies, they may have difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. Mold exposure can even trigger an asthma attack for some with the condition.

“To help prevent mold growth, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted information about the importance of cleaning up and drying out a water damaged building quickly, within 24 to 48 hours or less when possible,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “The agency reports that all porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried should be removed. Porous items listed by the CDC that typically can’t be cleaned include carpeting and carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation materials, clothing, leather, paper, wood and food. Removal and cleaning are important because even dead mold can cause allergic reactions in many people.”

The laboratory testing experts at LA Testing are dedicated to helping those who have suffered property damage involving water and moisture. With multiple facilities across California, LA Testing offers mold and other laboratory services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), building inspection tools and air monitoring instruments. They have also sponsored an educational video about mold after a natural disaster that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/wK2R-BXp4KU.

To learn more about water damage, mold or other indoor air quality, environmental, occupational, health and safety issues, 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), 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.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail