Indoor Environmental Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, April 13, 2023

Back in 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it had published new online content about the indoor microbiome. EPA describes all of the living microorganisms inside of an indoor environment, and their by-products, as the indoor microbiome. Most of these microorganisms come from people, pets, pests, air, water and areas of active microbial growth indoors.

The microbiome that surrounds us all is diverse and dynamic. It is made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other single-celled organisms. These microorganisms may be growing or inactive, and may be present in different life stages, such as spores or growing cells.

As far as what is considered a “normal” indoor microbiome, EPA reports that every building has a microbiome, but there is no normal or typical indoor microbiome found in all homes or buildings. The indoor microbiome in an individual home or building depends on many factors, including the people and pets that occupy it and their behaviors; the type, design, maintenance, building materials and location of the home or building; and climate and other local conditions.

“With today’s technology, the indoor microbiome can be monitored to identify exposure risks and to help optimize indoor conditions,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Fortunately, many of the microorganisms found indoors have little to no impact on most building occupants, but there are some that can be cause for concern. These include elevated levels of mold which can act as a respiratory irritant, allergen or even trigger an asthma attack in some people. Some types of mold found in buildings with water damage can also cause infections for people with a weakened immune system. Inhaling mists contaminated with Legionella bacteria can lead to serious illnesses, and since the COVID pandemic, we are now all too aware of exposure risks to viruses commonly found indoors.”

To help ensure optimal indoor environmental quality (IEQ) conditions in homes and buildings throughout California, the building science professionals at LA Testing offer air, surface, dust, water and bulk material testing for a wide range of microorganisms. Their California laboratories also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and air monitoring instruments to identify and mitigate exposure risks. LA Testing has even sponsored an educational video about the indoor microbiome that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/oTbWz86uj7g 

To learn more about this or other indoor environmental quality, building science, industrial hygiene and infection control 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 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.