County in California Turns to Air Monitors to Help Battle Asthma

In May, KPIX published a report about a pilot program with a Northern California Public Health Department to help parents with children who have asthma. According to the article, 250 families who have had at least one visit to the emergency room due to asthma in the previous six months will be lent an air monitor.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports that asthma rates have increased dramatically over the last three decades and that hospitalization rates among children are much higher than other age groups. Local health officials hope the cost of the limited number of air monitors in the pilot program will be offset by fewer emergency room visits.

The air monitors test the indoor air quality (IAQ) of the homes for small particulates. The article quoted one nurse who estimates that 80% of the asthma patients they get at the hospital are having attacks from exposure to pollutants in their own homes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists some of the most common asthma triggers, which includes tobacco smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, cockroach allergen, animal dander, mold, pollen, smoke from burning wood or grass, and breathing various chemicals.

“For people who have been diagnosed with asthma, knowing what triggers they may be exposed to at home, school or work is critical for controlling the condition,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Fortunately, there are very affordable indoor environmental tests available to identify known asthma triggers. EMSL is proud to provide comprehensive air and indoor environmental testing services, sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits. We even offer air monitoring instruments that measure particulate matter and various other airborne pollutants.”

EMSL has also recently sponsored an educational video about what happens during an asthma attack that can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_-gETZ7cfU.

To learn more about testing for environmental asthma triggers or other indoor air quality services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com  or call (800) 220-3671. For access to test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail