Asbestos Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, August 7, 2024

A fire at a historic hotel building that hadn’t been in use for decades has residents and city officials in a small town in Yuba County concerned about more than just the risk of the remaining structure collapsing. City officials recently announced that asbestos has been discovered in the building that was constructed in 1926.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), buildings constructed before 1970 are more likely to contain asbestos. Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. Pipe or other insulation, ceiling tiles, exterior siding, shingles, and sprayed on-soundproofing are just some of the many materials found in older buildings that may contain asbestos.

“If debris from an old building that has succumbed to a fire, or if the structure is just decaying away, is disturbed by human activity or even gusty winds, asbestos fibers could become airborne if asbestos-containing materials are present,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Another concern is lead-based paints. Lead was used in paints for decades and just like asbestos, lead-tainted dust can become airborne if disturbed.”

Helping property owners, government officials, and concerned residents identify potential exposure risks to asbestos, lead, and other hazards are the environmental scientists at LA Testing. With multiple laboratories in California, they offer comprehensive testing of air, dust, soil, surface, water, and bulk materials. LA Testing also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, building inspection tools, and a comprehensive range of personal protective equipment. These resources are critical for protecting workers, the public, and keeping property owners, facility managers, and business owners in regulatory compliance.

To learn more about asbestos, lead, or other testing resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. For access to 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.