Occupational and Environmental Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, May 29 2025

Pesticides are described by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as chemicals that are used to kill or control pests. In addition to insects and rodents, these pests can include bacteria, fungi, and other organisms.

Regarding pesticide use and its impact on indoor air quality (IAQ), the agency shares information from a study that found 75% of households in the U.S. used at least one pesticide product indoors during the past year. The products used most often include insecticides and disinfectants. Another study the EPA mentions suggests that 80% of most people's exposure occurs indoors and that measurable levels of up to a dozen pesticides have been found in the air inside homes.

Potential health effects due to pesticide exposure can vary widely. EPA warns that exposure could result in:

• Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat
• Damage to the central nervous system and kidneys
• Increased risk of cancer

Symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscular weakness
• Nausea

Chronic exposure to some pesticides can result in damage to the:

• Liver
• Kidneys
• Endocrine and nervous systems

“Pesticide exposure can occur from its use indoors, but it can also occur when contaminated soil or dust floats, or is tracked indoors, from the outside,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Exposure could even result from pesticide containers stored indoors, from household surfaces that collect and then release the pesticides, and even from foods and products with pesticides on them that are brought indoors.”

Fortunately, there are a number of steps people can take to mitigate pesticide exposure risks indoors, and there are ways to test the indoor air and surfaces for their presence. In California, LA Testing has multiple laboratories that offer testing services and sampling supplies to identify and mitigate exposures to pesticides and other harmful substances. They also recently sponsored an educational video about pesticides and indoor air quality that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/aE1jrPa95y4

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

  

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.