Mold Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, July 30, 2026

Across California, concerns about indoor mold exposure are increasing, particularly in buildings affected by water damage, coastal humidity, or poor ventilation. Among the most common indoor molds is Alternaria, a widespread genus known to impact both environmental quality and human health. 

Alternaria includes hundreds of species typically found outdoors, where they break down organic matter. However, spores can easily enter buildings through doors, windows, HVAC systems, or on clothing and pets. Once indoors, especially in damp or previously flooded environments, they can colonize surfaces and contribute to ongoing indoor air quality (IAQ) issues.

Exposure to Alternaria is a well-known health concern. It is a leading trigger of mold-related allergies, causing symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, skin irritation, and watery eyes. It is also strongly linked to asthma exacerbation, with elevated indoor spore levels increasing the risk of attacks in sensitive individuals. Like many types of mold, Alternaria can act as a respiratory irritant and may pose added risks for those with chronic lung conditions.

Although less common, Alternaria is also recognized as an opportunistic pathogen, primarily affecting immuno-compromised individuals. Some species have also been associated with mycotoxin production. While ingestion exposure has been more widely studied, the health effects of inhaling airborne mycotoxins remain an area of ongoing research.

“Due to California’s diverse climate, from coastal moisture to seasonal storms and flooding, buildings can be especially vulnerable to hidden mold growth,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Early detection and proper remediation are critical to reducing long-term exposure risks. To help address these concerns, LA Testing offers laboratory analysis, sampling supplies, test kits, building inspection tools, and air monitoring equipment to identify mold contamination and other IAQ issues.”

LA Testing has also sponsored an educational video about Alternaria as a common indoor air quality contaminant: https://youtu.be/yPC7mrDpMso 

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