Major Storms Cause Widespread Flooding and Property Damage in Northern California

Heavy rains in Northern California during December and January have caused evacuations, flooding and power outages in many communities. Schools, businesses and countless homes have been inundated by floodwaters that have caused extensive property damage in areas.

As residents and business owners begin the long process of cleaning up their properties and filing insurance claims, they need to be aware of the potential presence of microbial and chemical contaminants that may now be in their properties. This is because floodwaters can introduce sewage and chemical pollutants, and wet properties quickly turn into a breeding ground for mold.

Mold will grow almost anywhere in a building that remains wet or damp. It can quickly cause indoor air quality (IAQ) problems and health concerns for any building occupants. When inhaled, some types of mold can cause infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system, trigger asthma in others, and cause allergic reactions in many.

“Even Californians not directly impacted by the floodwaters need to be on the lookout for water damage from the heavy rains,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Property owners, managers and tenants with leaking roofs, windows or siding could also develop mold problems in a short period of time if they were not properly dried. Attics, basements and crawlspaces are often highly susceptible to water damage and mold growth following these extreme weather events. In older properties, people also need to be aware of the potential for asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paints that could cause exposure risks during cleanup, repair and rebuilding activities.”

Available to help property owners, managers and renters identify exposure risks to mold, lead, asbestos, sewage, chemicals and other potential dangers associated with flood damage are the scientists at LA Testing. With multiple laboratories in California, LA Testing offers laboratory services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment (PPE).

To learn more about flood damage and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services and supplies, 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 environmental and 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.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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