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Back-to-School: Creating Healthier Learning Spaces Across California

Press Releases at LATesting

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	8/21/2026
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Back-to-School: Creating Healthier Learning Spaces Across California
Introduction	LA Testing provides practical laboratory testing resources and monitoring solutions to help schools identify hidden indoor risks to protect students and faculty.
August 21, 2026 HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – As classrooms across California prepare to welcome students and staff for the new academic year, many facilities face an often-overlooked challenge: what has been happening indoors during months of reduced activity? From stagnant water systems to idle HVAC units, the summer break can quietly introduce environmental concerns that impact health and safety. Water systems that have sat unused may harbor harmful bacteria such as Legionella, while unnoticed leaks or poor ventilation can create ideal conditions for mold growth. Schools must also remain vigilant about potential exposure to lead in drinking water or asbestos in aging building materials. In a post-pandemic world, maintaining proper ventilation, filtration, and infection control strategies has become an essential part of keeping campuses safe and operational. “The start of the school year is an important opportunity for administrators and facility teams to proactively address indoor environmental risks,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager in Huntington Beach. “Many schools, especially older buildings or those with limited maintenance resources, face ongoing challenges that require careful attention and reliable testing.” Supporting schools in this effort are the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) specialists at LA Testing. With testing facilities located throughout California, they provide comprehensive laboratory services for bacteria, mold, viruses, heavy metals, asbestos, and chemical contaminants. These services help identify potential hazards in the air, water, soil, and on surfaces, allowing schools to respond quickly and confidently. In addition to laboratory analysis, LA Testing offers user-friendly test kits, sampling supplies, monitoring instruments, and inspection tools designed to simplify the process for facility managers and maintenance teams. For more information about testing services and environmental safety resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. To access IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. About LA Testing 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.