IAQ Testing Laboratory

Huntington Beach, CA, February 20^th, 2019

Millions of California residents suffer from various allergies, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For all too many, their home or work environment is sometimes the primary source of exposure for the respiratory irritants and allergens that can trigger or aggravate their condition.

Some of the most common indoor allergens and irritants are associated with mold, dust mites, latex, pollen, pets, rodents and cockroaches. Fortunately, there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce levels of these substances in a typical home or office.  They include the following: 

• Dust frequently, but do not simply aerosolize the dust during cleaning.
• When cleaning, use products that do not emit harsh chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Vacuum frequently using a machine with a HEPA filter.
• Regularly wash bedding and children’s stuffed animals in hot water to control dust mite concentrations and to remove other allergens.
• Have drapes and window blinds cleaned on a regular basis.
• Install quality furnace filters and regularly change them. Consider using a portable air filtration device, but steer clear of machines that produce ozone.
• Be sure the home is properly ventilated so that pollutant concentrations do not build up indoors and that humidity in bathrooms can exit the home.
• Keep the home or office cool and the relative humidity low to decrease dust mite populations and the possibility of mold growth.
• If allergic to outdoor pollen, keep windows and doors closed during periods with high pollen counts.
• Check for signs of leaks and water damage throughout the entire property, including attics, basements and crawlspaces.
• Don’t allow smoking indoors or near fresh air intakes.
• Minimize or eliminate the use of candles and air fresheners.
• Don’t leave food out that could attract cockroaches or rodents.
• Keep indoor plants to a minimum if people are allergic to pollen or mold that can grow on plants or in their containers.
• Bathe pets regularly and keep them out of bedrooms.

 
“For those who suffer from allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, testing the indoor environments where they spend considerable amounts of time can be instrumental for helping to avoid triggers and managing their symptoms,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “The information provided from indoor environmental quality testing can offer details about specific allergens that are present so corrective actions can then be taken to eliminate or mitigate exposure and provide for a better quality of life.”

LA Testing offers indoor allergen and environmental quality testing at their laboratories throughout California. They offer all of the environmental sampling supplies necessary and even carry a line of easy to use test kits. They have also sponsored an educational video about allergens and simple steps that homeowners and building occupants can take for a healthier indoor environment that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/hfKSZOOu_E0.

To learn more about indoor allergen, air quality, environmental, occupational, health, and safety testing services or monitoring instruments, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. For access to indoor environmental quality test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, 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.