Legionella Testing Services

Huntington Beach, CA, March 17, 2023 

A lawsuit was recently filed against a hotel in Napa that was associated with an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in 2022 according to multiple media outlets. Last August, Napa County Public Health announced a sample taken from a cooling tower at the hotel preliminarily tested positive for high levels of Legionella, the bacteria the causes the disease. In that outbreak, at least twelve individuals were hospitalized and one tragically died. 

Legionella is found naturally in the environment, typically in water. If humans inhale contaminated water droplets or mist, they can become infected. When Legionella makes its way to man-made water sources, such as cooling towers, potable water systems, hot tubs, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems and even decorative fountains, it can create a serious health risk for those most likely to become infected. People at increased risk include those 50 years or older, current or former smokers, anyone with a chronic lung disease or weakened immune system, and those with cancer or other underlying illnesses – such as diabetes, kidney failure or liver failure reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

“Environmental testing for Legionella is an important part of a proactive program to manage man-made water systems to confirm mitigation efforts are effective,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Testing can also help to pinpoint the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred. At LA Testing, our California laboratories offer testing services and specialized sampling supplies to detect Legionella and numerous other microbial pathogens from environmental samples. These services protect the public and can help businesses avoid costly litigation.” 

Several year back, LA Testing sponsored an educational video about Legionella and monitoring building water systems that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/F_Ggg_uaL_s 

To learn more about Legionella testing or other environmental 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 environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, 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.