Environmental Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, March 19, 2024

This year has brought a series of winter storms and flooding events to much of California. The resulting storm damage to property, much of it from flooding, has caused billions of dollars in damage already.

In response, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) recently published Storm Season Safety: After a Flood. In it, the agency provides tips for residents facing flood damage. The document reminds people that receding water can leave behind a trail of hidden perils, including mold, chemicals and sewage.

Regarding mold, Cal OES warns:

After a flood, drying your home and removing water-damaged items is the most important step for preventing dangerous mold growth. You should assume you have mold if you were not able to dry your home (including furniture and other items) within 24-48 hours. 

“Another important tip from Cal OES for residents is their suggestion to consider hiring a professional to inspect and repair mold damage,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “This is good advice as mold can often be growing in places that are out of sight. A qualified professional knows what to look for and where to test for it. Testing for sewage contamination and even chemicals that could have been brought into a property with floodwaters is also often warranted.”

To help in this effort, LA Testing’s California laboratories offer testing services for mold, bacteria, sewage, chemicals and other hazards, such as lead-based paints and asbestos, which could be disturbed during cleanup and repair activities. They also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment to mitigate exposure hazards.

To learn more about water damage, mold and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing resources, 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, 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.