Across California, many schools, colleges and universities open their doors this month to begin the new school year. With COVID still an issue, this year brings with it continued challenges for school administrators and facility managers in their efforts to provide a safe and healthy learning experience for students and staff.

Protecting building occupants from surface pathogens and respiratory droplets that could spread COVID is going to be crucial again this year. The possible presence of Legionella bacteria in building water systems that have been unused or underutilized during the summer months is also a concern. Mold could also be an issue if there have been any water leaks or if the school's HVAC system hasn't operated properly during the break.

“Water leaks, plumbing problems or HVAC failures are all common occurrences that could cause indoor environmental quality issues and mold growth,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing's Huntington Beach facility. “This can be especially true in older schools and in districts with tight maintenance budgets, which is unfortunately the case in many districts. On top of these annual challenges, preventing the spread of COVID with environmental cleaning and disinfection, and proper air filtration and ventilation, is going to be necessary again for the 2022-2023 school year.”

Helping school districts and universities throughout California provide optimal indoor environmental conditions are the IEQ experts at LA Testing. With multiple laboratories in the state, they offer testing services for a wide range of bacteria, fungi, viruses, heavy metals and chemical pollutants. These tests can help to identify and mitigate exposure risks from the air, surfaces and even water sources. LA Testing also provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and building inspection tools.

To learn more about this or other building science, infection control, environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. To access 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.

— WebWireID293131 —