Smoke & Fire Damage Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, June 16, 2026

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has highlighted several populations that may face increased health risks from exposure to wildfire smoke. According to the agency, the potential health effects from fine particle pollution in wildfire smoke can vary throughout a person’s lifetime, making certain groups especially vulnerable.

The EPA identifies the following populations as being at higher risk:

• People with respiratory diseases – Individuals with conditions such as asthma or COPD may experience breathing difficulties and worsening symptoms when exposed to wildfire smoke.
• People with cardiovascular disease – Air pollutants can trigger cardiovascular-related events in those with existing heart or circulatory conditions.
• Children (under 18) – Even healthy children are considered sensitive to air pollution, including smoke from wildfires.
• Pregnant women – Physiological changes during pregnancy may increase vulnerability to environmental exposures, and smoke exposure could impact fetal development.
• Older adults – Age-related health conditions and reduced physiological defenses can increase susceptibility to smoke exposure.
• Outdoor workers – Prolonged exposure to elevated smoke concentrations may lead to a range of health effects.

“People’s health can be affected by wildfire smoke even miles away from active fires,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Smoke can also enter buildings, leaving residues that create odors, damage electronics, and cause corrosion, etching, or discoloration on indoor surfaces.”

With multiple laboratories across California, LA Testing provides air quality, smoke residue, and odor testing services. The company also offers sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, a Fire & Smoke Damage Test Kit, and a wide range of respirators and other personal protective equipment. These resources help property owners, environmental professionals, insurers, and public adjusters evaluate wildfire smoke impacts.

LA Testing has also sponsored an educational video about wildfire smoke and vulnerable populations, available here: https://youtu.be/cAJtHCGXtRg 

To learn more about smoke damage and indoor environmental quality testing resources, visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. To access test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 

 

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental, indoor air quality and material testing for mercury, 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.