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PCE Contamination Settlement Highlights Need for Environmental Testing and Vapor Intrusion Monitoring

Environmental Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	9/18/2026
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	PCE Contamination Settlement Highlights Need for Environmental Testing and Vapor Intrusion Monitoring
Introduction	LA Testing offers laboratory services and sampling supplies to identify chemical exposure risks linked to soil, groundwater, and vapor intrusion hazards.
Huntington Beach, California, September 18, 2026 A recent enforcement action by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) resulted in a settlement exceeding $100,000 over cleanup violations involving perchloroethylene (PCE) contamination at a former Bay Area dry-cleaning site. According to DTSC, investigations found PCE contamination in soil, groundwater, and soil vapor, with impacts extending to neighboring properties. PCE was widely used in the dry-cleaning industry for decades and has been linked to environmental contamination and vapor intrusion risks when released into soil and groundwater. Vapor intrusion occurs when volatile chemicals migrate from contaminated subsurface areas into buildings through cracks and other openings. California regulators continue to oversee remediation projects associated with historic dry-cleaning operations and other facilities where chlorinated solvents were used. These investigations often involve sampling and analysis of soil, groundwater, soil vapor, and indoor air to assess contaminant migration and potential exposure risks. LA Testing supports these efforts through its California environmental and industrial hygiene laboratories. The company analyzes samples for PCE and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chlorinated solvents, and hazardous substances using advanced analytical methods and rigorous quality control standards. LA Testing’s laboratories provide services for: Soil and groundwater contamination investigations Soil vapor and vapor intrusion assessments Indoor and ambient air quality testing Hazardous waste characterization Industrial hygiene and occupational exposure monitoring Environmental remediation and compliance projects “Testing services are available for PCE, trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, petroleum hydrocarbons, and many other chemical contaminants associated with industrial operations, manufacturing facilities, dry-cleaning sites, and brownfield redevelopment projects,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Laboratory data from LA Testing helps environmental professionals identify contamination sources, evaluate exposure pathways, and support cleanup decisions.” To learn more about environmental testing resources offered by LA Testing, visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. About LA Testing LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of mold, asbestos, 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 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.