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The Mountain Fire in California Leaves a Path of Property Damage and Destruction

Fire and Smoke Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	11/19/2024
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	The Mountain Fire in California Leaves a Path of Property Damage and Destruction
Introduction	LA Testing provides laboratory services, sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, and test kits to identify indoor smoke damage, residues, and odors caused by wildfires.
Huntington Beach, California, November 15, 2024 More than 20,000 acres have already burned and over 130 homes have been destroyed by the Mountain Fire in Ventura County. Firefighters are tackling the wildfire which continues to be a threat to many in the area. People’s health, even miles from the flames, is a concern as exposure to wildfire smoke can cause short-term health effects. These may include irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM) can also worsen medical conditions, such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly, may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5. “Properties, even those not touched by flames, can also be impacted by wildfire smoke as it makes its way indoors, negatively impacting the air quality in the places where people live, work, worship, and go to school,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Smoke residues can also cause odors, damage electronics, and cause corrosion, etching, and discoloration on surfaces. The good news is smoke damage is often covered by property insurance policies, which frequently require proof of damages to successfully settle a claim.” Dedicated to helping California residents after a fire are the scientists at LA Testing. With multiple California laboratories, they are experts at smoke damage, residue, and odor testing. LA Testing can analyze air and surface samples to assist property owners, tenants, environmental experts, insurance companies, and public adjusters. They also offer sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, and an easy-to-use Fire & Smoke Damage Test Kit. To learn more about smoke damage or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. To access 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.