Smoke and Fire Damage Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, March 19, 2025

Following the devastating wildfires that caused so much destruction across the Golden State earlier this year, the State of California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) recently posted guidance for employers and workers on safely navigating the risks associated with fire debris removal and cleanup.

According to the DIR:

Even after fires are extinguished, hazardous conditions persist. Employers involved in recovery operations within fire-damaged areas must assess these risks, address unsafe conditions, and ensure proper training is provided to all workers.

DIR also offers additional resources on the following health and safety protections:

• Physical hazards - Information is available regarding the risks of structural collapse or contact with live utilities.
• Hazard Communication - Informing and training workers about chemical hazards from burned buildings, such as fire retardants, lead or asbestos, and other hazardous materials.
• Cleanup, Debris Removal, and Restoration - Cal/OSHA provides guidance to employers and workers regarding proper training and equipment for safely handling debris during the cleanup of contaminated areas.

“Worker exposure to ash and debris can irritate the eyes, nose, or skin, and cause coughing, asthma attacks, difficulty breathing, and numerous other health concerns,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “If these materials also contain asbestos, lead, or other hazardous substances, the risks are even greater. To help area residents and businesses after a fire, the environmental, material, and industrial hygiene experts at LA Testing offer laboratory services to detect asbestos, lead, and other hazards. They also provide smoke residue and odor testing for indoor environments, in addition to supplying 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.