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Protecting California Workers and Residents from Exposure Risks to Lead

Lead Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	12/13/2023
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Protecting California Workers and Residents from Exposure Risks to Lead
Introduction	LA Testing provides laboratory services, sampling supplies, test kits and personal protective equipment to identify lead hazards from environmental and industrial hygiene samples.
Huntington Beach, CA, December 13, 2023 Despite the fact that lead is a toxic metal and the dangers of exposure have been known for years, some Californians are still being exposed to unsafe levels of it in their homes, schools and work environments. It does not matter if a person breathes-in, swallows or absorbs lead particles, the health effects are the same; however, the body absorbs higher levels of lead when it is breathed-in according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Lead also typically affects children more than it does adults. NIOSH lists both similar and different health effects for short-term overexposure and prolonged exposure to lead. The agency reports lead poisoning can happen if a person is exposed to very high levels of lead over a short period, and when this happens, a person may feel abdominal pain, constipated, tired, headachy, irritable, loss of appetite, memory loss, pain or tingling in the hands and/or feet, and weak. NIOSH goes on to share that exposure to high levels of lead may also cause anemia, and kidney and brain damage. Very high lead exposure can cause death. The health effects from prolonged exposure to lead reported by NIOSH include someone possibly feeling abdominal pain, constipated, depressed, distracted, forgetful, irritable, and nauseous or sick. Someone with prolonged exposure may also be at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease and reduced fertility. Lead is also considered to be a likely human carcinogen. “The good news is lead poisoning is entirely preventable,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “At LA Testing, we provide environmental, industrial hygiene and material testing services for lead and other heavy metals to mitigate exposure hazards. We also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and personal protective equipment.” LA Testing has sponsored an educational video about some of the health problems caused by lead exposure that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/Gt9RSmIlh3s To learn more about lead or other environmental, health and safety testing resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. For access to indoor environmental quality 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, 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.