Mold Discovery Results in the Temporary Closure of a School in Fresno

Earlier this year, Fresno’s KGPE broadcasted a story about the temporary closure of an area school following the discovery of mold. According to their report, four classrooms tested positive for mold and the school was closed for several days to allow administrators and teachers to relocate students to other classrooms.

The school principal announced that other classrooms would be tested out of an abundance of caution. It was also reported that the school is working with remediation and construction professionals to assess and resolve the situation.

Taking steps to protect students and faculty from breathing elevated levels of mold is important as exposure can lead to health issues. Molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

“Exposure to mold can even trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition who are allergic to mold,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “As an irritant, mold can impact people’s eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of individuals whether or not they are allergic to it. Breathing mold may also cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a disease that resembles bacterial pneumonia. In addition, exposure to certain types of mold associated with water damage, such as  Aspergillus , may result in opportunistic infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system.”

The scientists at LA Testing help to identify mold and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues. With multiple laboratories in California, LA Testing provides mold analysis, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools and air monitoring instruments.

To learn more about this 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