Mystery Odor Complaints at a Medical Facility in California

LA Testing provides laboratory services, sampling supplies, and air monitoring instruments to detect and identify odors and other airborne pollutants in the built environment.

Huntington Beach, California, April 15, 2025 Last month, several media outlets reported on worker complaints of a mystery odor at a medical center in Riverside County. The articles describe health concerns expressed by staff and the temporary closure of parts of the facility for plumbing repairs. It was also reported that the local fire department was involved in conducting air tests at the facility.   Mystery odors in buildings of all types are quite common, especially when construction or remodeling activities are taking.......[Read More] [All News]

Infection Control Testing Resources in California to Help Prevent the Spread of Norovirus and Other Pathogens

LA Testing provides laboratory services and sampling supplies to assess the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection procedures to help prevent the spread of norovirus and other pathogens.

Huntington Beach, California, April 10, 2025 Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency also warns that one can get norovirus illness numerous times in their life because there are many different types of the virus. In the Golden State, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and local health departments (LHDs) track outbreaks of norovirus. However, healthcare providers are not required.......[Read More] [All News]

Water Sampling Detects Legionella at VA Medical Center in California

LA Testing offers PCR and traditional culture methods to quickly identify the pathogen that causes Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever from environmental samples to support water management programs that protect the public.

Huntington Beach, California, April 8, 2025 Routine water sampling at the VA Medical Center in Loma Linda earlier this year detected Legionella bacteria in multiple samples, according to several media reports published last month. The samples were taken from a variety of locations throughout the facility and staff have been instructed to be vigilant of any patients showing possible symptoms of pneumonia.  Legionella can be found naturally in the environment, typically in water, and in some building water systems. If people.......[Read More] [All News]

California Vapor Intrusion Testing Resources to Safeguard Building Occupants

LA Testing offers laboratory services and sampling supplies to identify chemical exposure risks due to vapor intrusion and other causes in the built environment.

Huntington Beach, California, April 4, 2025 Vapor intrusion is described by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as occurring when there is a migration of vapor-forming chemicals from any subsurface source into an overlying building. This subsurface source is often contaminated groundwater, soil, or both. These vapor-forming chemicals can cause indoor air quality (IAQ) problems and pose a health concern for building occupants. The agency goes on to warn that in extreme cases, the vapors may accumulate in dwellings.......[Read More] [All News]

Global Asbestos Awareness Week & Protecting California’s Workers and Residents

LA Testing provides laboratory services, sampling supplies, test kits, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment to identify and mitigate exposure risks to asbestos fibers and other airborne hazards.

Huntington Beach, California, March 26, 2025   April 1st through the 7th is recognized as Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) in California and across the world. This year marks the 21st GAAW, an annual event started by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization to increase awareness about the dangers associated with asbestos exposure. The National Cancer Institute warns that people may be exposed to asbestos in their workplace, their communities, or their homes. Exposure over time is known to cause asbestosis, mesothelioma,.......[Read More] [All News]

World TB Day and Resources to Help Prevent New Cases in California

LA Testing offers infection control testing services and sampling supplies to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis from environmental samples to protect patients, healthcare providers, and the public.

Huntington Beach, California, March 24, 2025 The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports there were 2,113 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the state as recently as 2023, a substantial 15% increase compared to the year before. TB cases were recorded in 45 of California’s 61 local health jurisdictions, and CDPH estimates that more than 2 million Californians have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). TB is caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis that typically attacks the lungs but can also attack.......[Read More] [All News]

Frozen Supplemental Shakes Recalled by Foodservice Company Based in California

LA Testing provides laboratory services to identify Listeria, E. coli, Salmonella, and other foodborne pathogens to help prevent illnesses and costly product recalls.

Huntington Beach, California, March 21, 2025 Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the agency, along with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and public health officials in several states, were investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to supplemental shakes. The CDC also reported that a foodservice company based in California that handled distribution of two brands of frozen supplemental shakes manufactured by another firm has announced a recall due.......[Read More] [All News]

California DIR Issues Guidance for Worker Safety During Wildfire Cleanup

LA Testing provides industrial hygiene testing services, sampling supplies, test kits, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment to identify and mitigate occupational exposure risks associated with fire damage.

Huntington Beach, California, March 19, 2025 Following the devastating wildfires that caused so much destruction across the Golden State earlier this year, the State of California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) recently posted guidance for employers and workers on safely navigating the risks associated with fire debris removal and cleanup.   According to the DIR: Even after fires are extinguished, hazardous conditions persist. Employers involved in recovery operations within fire-damaged areas must assess these.......[Read More] [All News]