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Sheriff’s Office Posts Mold Information for California’s Central Coast Residents Returning to Flood Damaged Properties

Indoor Environmental Quality Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	2/3/2023
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Sheriff’s Office Posts Mold Information for California’s Central Coast Residents Returning to Flood Damaged Properties
Introduction	LA Testing offers laboratory services, sampling supplies, test kits, building inspection tools and personal protective equipment to identify and respond to mold and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) exposure concerns.
Huntington Beach, California, February 3, 2023 The Monterey County Sheriff's Office recently advised residents returning to homes and businesses affected by floodwaters to use reference materials posted on their social media. The documents provide information to help keep residents safe while cleaning up flood damaged properties which may contain mold. One of the reference materials is Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup after Disasters. The document, produced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is designed to help homeowners and renters deal with cleaning up after a disaster, such as the devastating floods seen in many parts of California. It includes useful tips to protect those faced with mold in their properties, and reminds people that drying a home and removing water-damaged items is the most important step for preventing mold damage. If a home is flooded and it is not dried out within 24 to 48 hours, mold growth should be assumed. The mold may be visible along with a moldy odor, but it could also be hidden behind carpets, walls, cabinets and other out-of-sight locations. “Elevated levels of mold can cause respiratory irritation, allergic reactions and asthma attacks for some people with the condition,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “There are even some types of mold that can grow in water damaged buildings that can cause infections in people with a weakened immune system. In addition, floodwaters may carry sewage or chemicals into a home or building, resulting in exposure risks to viruses, bacteria and other hazards, along with mold.” LA Testing’s California laboratories are a resource for those impacted by water damage. Their scientists offer laboratory testing services to identify microbial and chemical contamination. They also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, personal protective equipment (PPE) and building inspection tools. Back in 2020, LA Testing even sponsored an educational video discussing the Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup after Disasters that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/BbNsFkwj10g To learn more about water damage, mold and other indoor environmental quality testing services, 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 industrial hygiene and indoor environmental quality testing of radon, 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.