VOCs and Odor Identification Services

Huntington Beach, California, August 4, 2025

A mystery odor in a home, school, or office could be anything from a nuisance to something that may signal potential short- or long-term health concerns for building occupants. These odors could even lower property values, and in commercial, industrial and institutional settings, may result in decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher employee turnover rates.

Common causes of mystery odors include everything from mold and bacteria, to sewer gas and off-gassing from building materials and household products. Additional sources could be from cigarette smoke or vaping, cooking, cleaning chemicals, and pets. They can also be the result of inadequate ventilation, unsanitary conditions, water damage, and vapor intrusion. Commercial and industrial properties may also suffer from off-gassing from manufacturing processes.

“These odors could even be infiltrating a structure from an outside source as odors can enter a building through air intakes, windows, and doors,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “They could include vehicle exhaust or air pollution from a nearby factory, landfill, or other source. When the source of an odor is not readily apparent, air testing will often provide the information needed to identify the root cause. Air testing can also identify the concentration of various gases and chemicals. This information can then be used to determine if there are health or safety concerns. Once identified, it is often possible to then develop a strategy to eliminate or mitigate the odor through mechanical means, filtration, and other changes.”

In California, the scientists at LA Testing are dedicated to identifying mystery odors and other indoor air quality concerns for their clients. With multiple laboratories in the state, they provide testing services, sampling supplies, and air monitoring. LA Testing has even released an educational video about mystery odors in the built environment that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/229MeNyYoNE 

To learn more about air and odor 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.