Industrial Hygiene Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, February 17, 2026

As DIY home renovation projects surge in California this year, LA Testing, a leading environmental and industrial hygiene laboratory, is warning homeowners about hidden health hazards lurking in older buildings. Lead, asbestos, and mold can become airborne and pose serious health risks during demolition or repair work.

“At the beginning of each year, we see a spike in renovation activity,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Homeowners often underestimate the danger hidden in older or water-damaged materials. Disturbing lead paint, asbestos products, or mold colonies without proper testing and protective measures can cause serious health issues.”

Key hidden hazards in many California homes include:

• Lead - Homes built before 1978 commonly contain lead-based paint. When sanded or scraped, it can release dust that may cause neurological issues in children, cardiovascular complications in adults, and long-term developmental harm.
• Asbestos - Properties built before the 1980s may contain asbestos in flooring, ceilings, wall textures, insulation, siding, roofing materials, and more. Disturbed fibers can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
• Mold - Moisture from past leaks, winter rains, plumbing failures, or poor ventilation can create hidden mold growth behind walls and under surfaces. Renovation work can aerosolize spores, triggering allergies, asthma, respiratory irritation, and increased exposure to mycotoxins.

Even a small remodeling project, like removing old flooring or opening a wall, can release harmful particles into a home’s air. Testing before renovation is essential for protecting families, contractors, and even neighbors. 

LA Testing supports homeowners, contractors, property managers, and remodeling professionals by offering lead paint and dust analysis; asbestos bulk material, air, and dust testing; mold testing; comprehensive indoor air quality assessments; and sampling supplies, user-friendly test kits, personal protective equipment, and air monitoring instruments.

To learn more about these testing resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. For access to 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.