Legionella Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, December 30, 2025

Legionella bacteria are naturally present in freshwater environments, but they can become a serious health hazard when allowed to grow and spread in human-made water systems. Inhalation of contaminated mist or droplets is the most common route of exposure, while aspiration of contaminated drinking water poses an additional risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Legionella can thrive in building water systems such as:

• Showerheads and sink faucets
• Hot tubs
• Decorative fountains and water features
• Hot water tanks and heaters
• Large, complex plumbing systems
• Cooling towers

While Legionnaires’ disease is the most well-known illness caused by Legionella, exposure can also result in Pontiac fever. This condition typically develops within hours to three days after exposure. Unlike Legionnaires’ disease, Pontiac fever does not cause pneumonia. Instead, it presents as a flu-like illness with symptoms such as fever and muscle aches that usually resolve in under a week.

“For workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns of potential occupational exposure risks that could lead to Pontiac fever or Legionnaires’ disease,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Preventing these illnesses requires effective water management programs to control Legionella in building systems.”

LA Testing, with multiple laboratories across California, offers rapid PCR and traditional culturing methods to identify Legionella in environmental samples. The company also provides specialized sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, and personal protective equipment. These resources are available to property owners, facility managers, infection control specialists, public health professionals, and concerned members of the public.

As part of its educational outreach, LA Testing has sponsored a video highlighting Pontiac fever and Legionella exposure risks: https://youtu.be/YaWWLPBqYrI

For more information about Legionella testing and other environmental laboratory services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. To order test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

 

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental, indoor air quality and material testing for mercury, 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.