Carbon Particles Causing Health Concerns across California Due to Wildfires

LA Testing has been busy providing carbon black and combustible by-product analysis at their laboratories to area residents and environmental professionals.

Pasadena, CA, August 21st, 2009

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger reported on Sunday that 11 major wildfires were burning across the state creating risks to inhabitants and property in many parts of the state. The California wildfire tribulations are well-chronicled and have been a growing problem for a number of years as drought conditions continue in many regions.

Aside from the obvious smoke problems that are prevalent due to the fires, particulate matter is also of significant concern when area residents breathe the contaminated air. Breathing contaminated air can have negative health effects ranging from short term conditions to long term chronic diseases.

Aside from the health effects, those facing smoke damage in their homes and commercial buildings may find themselves needing to test their properties for proof of damage. LA Testing, one of California’s leading environmental testing laboratories, performs carbon black and combustion byproducts testing using a combination of techniques in culmination with Electron Microscopy.

Carbon black and combustion byproducts (carbonized material) are dangerous to breathe and when deposited on building surfaces can lead to odors, permanent discoloration and ‘ghosting’ effects. Sampling for carbon black on surfaces can be performed by simply wiping as much area as necessary to darken a sample collection pad for analysis.

“Many testing laboratories use Polarized Light or Phase Contrast Microscopes which cannot adequately provide identification of carbon black in many cases,” reported Joe Frasca, Executive Vice President at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. “LA Testing provides expert analysis using only the most advanced instrumentation,” Frasca went on to say.

For more information about carbon black and combustible by-product analysis please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 303-0047 and ask for Jerry Drapala or Derrick Tanner.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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