New Study Examines the Increasing Frequency of Harmful Algal Blooms in West Coast Waters

A new study, led by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Northwest Fisheries Science Center, was recently published in a professional journal on climate research. It examines how ocean heatwaves are triggering harmful algal blooms (HABs) on the west coast of the United States and investigates the increasing frequency of these HABs and how climate change creates new seed beds for their survival and distribution.

“Coastal communities, including Native Tribes, will suffer from the effects of HABs more frequently in the future, illustrating the importance of early warning systems such as Harmful Algal Bloom Bulletins that are becoming operational in the U.S. and other parts of the world,” reported the NOAA.

The NOAA in the past has reported that although human illnesses caused by HABs are rare, they can be debilitating or even fatal. In addition to potentially producing extremely dangerous toxins, harmful algal blooms can also:

• Create dead zones by depleting oxygen in the water
• Raise treatment costs for drinking water
• Hurt a wide range of industries that depend on clean water

“HABs occur in both fresh and marine waters,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at LA Testing. “Red tides, blue-green algae and cyanobacteria are all examples of HABs that can have a severe impact on human health, aquatic ecosystems and even the economy. The scientists at LA Testing’s network of laboratories in California and across North America offer a wide range of testing services, including algal identification, algal biomass analysis and various algal toxin testing options from water, air and soil samples.”

LA Testing has also sponsored an educational video about harmful algal blooms that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/JF8UnMJ84HU.

To learn more about this or other aquatic, environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794.


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