IAQ Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, August 14, 2026

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently launched a new Emergencies and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) website to help the public understand how to protect themselves, and the air inside their homes and buildings, before, during, and after emergency events.

The agency emphasizes that preparation and response are especially important in indoor environments, where people spend the vast majority of their time and depend on safe air for shelter. EPA highlights several emergencies that can significantly affect IAQ, including wildfires, floods, power outages, extreme heat, and winter weather.

Wildfire smoke, for example, can infiltrate buildings and make indoor air unsafe to breathe. EPA also notes that floodwaters can degrade indoor air quality by introducing biological and chemical contaminants. When materials remain wet for more than 24 to 48 hours, mold growth is likely to occur, creating additional health concerns.

Extended power outages can also negatively influence IAQ. According to the EPA, preventing the buildup of harmful indoor pollutants, including deadly carbon monoxide from generators or other equipment, is essential during outages. The agency further warns that rising indoor temperatures during heat waves can result in serious and potentially fatal illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In winter, severe storms and prolonged cold can also lead to hazardous indoor conditions that compromise air quality.

“Being prepared for an emergency, especially for businesses and institutions that must remain operational, means knowing who to turn to for support,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “At LA Testing, our experts in indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, infection control, and environmental testing are ready to assist. We offer comprehensive laboratory services, sampling supplies, test kits, building inspection tools, environmental monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment. These resources are critical for safely identifying indoor and outdoor exposure hazards after an emergency, including those involving chemical, radiological, or biological threats.”

LA Testing also recently sponsored an educational video on emergencies and indoor air quality, available at: https://youtu.be/8-1AGD52_fk

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

 

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.