Huntington Beach, CA, July 3rd, 2019
According to the University of California’s Agriculture & Natural Resources, there are six species of cockroaches in the state that can become pests. They include the German, brown-banded, oriental, smokybrown, American and Turkestan species.
These pests can be found in everything from apartments and homes to offices, schools and industrial plants. The presence of cockroaches can not only make some people squirm, they can also lead to health concerns for building occupants. Cockroaches can spread pathogens and they are a frequent cause of allergic reactions and are a known asthma trigger. Some health experts believe exposure to cockroach allergens may lead to the development of asthma in young children.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports, “Droppings or body parts of cockroaches and other pests can trigger asthma. Certain proteins are found in cockroach feces and saliva and can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. Cockroaches are commonly found in crowded cities and the southern regions of the United States. Cockroach allergens likely play a significant role in asthma in many urban areas.”
“For those who suffer from asthma or indoor allergies, understanding what they are being exposed to indoors is the first step towards managing their condition,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Fortunately, there are easy-to-use test kits and testing services that can quickly identify cockroach allergens. At LA Testing we have a kit that collects a dust sample that is then analyzed for cockroach, cat, dog, dust mite, mouse, rat, and latex allergens. If sample results come back positive, people can then take the necessary steps to either eliminate the allergen source or take action to avoid areas known to have elevated allergen concentrations.”
LA Testing has also sponsored an educational video with information about cockroaches in indoor environments that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/yGf6970AlyY.
To learn more about indoor allergens or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. For access to allergen and other IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, 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.