Fire and Smoke Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, January 10, 2025

After multiple wildfires forced the evacuation of over 150,000 residents and destroyed countless homes and buildings across Los Angeles County, in some areas, people are beginning the process of assessing the devastating destruction.

Area health officials are now also cautioning residents to be aware of ash exposure hazards. The Pasadena Office of the City Manager recently reminded people of this concern. In addition to warning the public that ash can easily become airborne from both indoor and outdoor surfaces, people were reminded that ash exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, or skin; and can cause coughing, asthma attacks, difficulty breathing, and other health effects.

“Not only can the ash left behind in the ruins of homes and buildings contain hazardous substances, such as lead and asbestos, even exposure to ash from wood can cause health concerns,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “It’s important that people protect their lungs with the appropriate respirators if the will be around airborne ash. And, as the City of Pasadena advises, if you get involved with ash cleanup, wear protective gear. This includes using respirators, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, socks, and goggles to avoid contact.”

To help area residents and businesses begin to cleanup and rebuild, the environmental, material, and industrial hygiene experts at LA Testing are here to help. With multiple laboratories in California, LA Testing offers services to detect smoke residues and odors indoors, and analyze ash samples for asbestos, lead, and other exposure hazards. They also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment.

To learn more about testing and monitoring resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. To access environmental 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.