The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) recently released a report about indoor moisture and mold at the Muir / SMASH campus. This has been an ongoing challenge for the district after a recent modernization project discovered water intrusion problems and mold issues.

The published report details surface and air sampling from some locations that identified elevated levels of common molds associated with water damaged buildings. These included Penicillium, Aspergillus and Stachybotrys.

Unfortunately, it doesn't take much for mold to begin to grow indoors when moisture is present and countless schools in California, and across the nation, have faced similar challenges. Common causes include roof and other building envelop leaks, faulty HVAC installations, plumbing leaks, flooding, and humidity issues.

“Mold will begin to grow in as little as 48 hours when enough moisture is present indoors,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing's Huntington Beach facility. “Exposure to elevated concentrations of mold can cause concerns for building occupants. A common response is to have an allergic reaction, which may include hay fever-like symptoms such as headache, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. For some asthmatics, mold exposure can trigger an asthma attack. Mold is also an irritant that can cause issues for some people whether or not they are allergic to it.”

Available to help school districts across California that face these types of challenges are the mold and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) scientists at LA Testing. Their laboratories offer environmental, material and industrial hygiene testing services for mold and other exposure risks, such asbestos, lead and radon. LA Testing also provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, building inspection tools and even personal protective equipment.

To learn more about indoor environmental quality and industrial hygiene testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access to 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 public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), 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, San Diego, and Ontario.

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