Microbiology Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, July 3, 2024

During the warm summer months, the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs) in California waterways increases significantly. Around this time last year, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) issued a reminder to residents of the dangers of blue-green algae potentially growing rapidly into algal blooms due to factors such as warm water temperatures, calm conditions and certain nutrients in the water.

DWR warned:

While some algae are harmless, certain types can produce toxins that can make people and animals sick. There is no way to tell if an algal bloom is toxic just by looking at it, so it’s best for swimmers and boaters to keep away from algal blooms. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes HABs as the rapid growth of algae or cyanobacteria that can cause harm to people, animals or the local ecology. Harmful algae or cyanobacteria can look like foam, scum, paint or mats on the surface of water, and can be different colors.

“Every year, HABs occur in fresh and marine waters across California,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Red tides, blue-green algae and cyanobacteria are all examples of HABs. Each can have a severe impact on human health, aquatic ecosystems and even local economies.”

To help identify HABs, the aquatic scientists at LA Testing offer laboratory services to safeguard residents, water utilities and businesses that depend on clean water. Their California laboratories provide a wide range of testing services, including algal identification, algal biomass analysis and various algal toxins testing from water, air and soil samples.

Several years ago, LA Testing sponsored an educational video about harmful algal blooms that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/JF8UnMJ84HU 

To learn more about this or other environmental, health and safety testing 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.