Huntington Beach, California, January 9, 2025
Multiple wildfires burning in Los Angeles County have caused more than a thousand homes, businesses, and other structures to be destroyed by flames. More than 30,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, and tragically, several deaths have already occurred. As firefighters continue to battle the fires, a state of emergency has been declared.
People’s health, even miles from the flames, is also a concern as exposure to wildfire smoke can cause short-term health effects. These can include irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM) can also worsen medical conditions, such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly, may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.
“As the situation is brought under control, many properties not touched directly by flames will be left with varying degrees of smoke damage,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “This occurs because wildfire smoke will make its way indoors, negatively impacting the indoor air quality where people live, work, and go to school. It can also leave behind odors and residues. Residues can damage electronics, and cause corrosion, etching, and discoloration on surfaces.”
The good news is smoke damage is often covered by property insurance policies, but may require proof of damages to successfully settle a claim. LA Testing, with multiple laboratories in California, provides air and surface testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to help in these situations.
To learn more about testing and monitoring resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. To access indoor environmental quality 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.