Mold in Dormitories a Concern for Some University Students in California

Last month, a student newspaper at a public university in Los Angeles County published a story about mold exposure concerns for some students living in campus dormitories. According to the article, a backlog of work orders have recently been submitted by dorm residents requesting the removal of mold from the air ventilation systems in their rooms.

Mold can begin to grow in as short as 48 hours on many building materials when there is enough moisture or humidity levels are elevated. Anyone exposed to high levels of mold may experience a myriad of health issues. This is due to the fact that mold can produce allergens, respiratory irritants and in some cases, toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Exposure to mold can even trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition.

“As an irritant, mold can impact people’s eyes, skin, nose, throat and the lungs of individuals whether or not they are allergic to it,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “These are all reasons why controlling indoor moisture and humidity levels is so important to prevent the growth of mold. At LA Testing, we offer building inspection tools, such as moisture meters, infrared cameras and humidity sensors to help in this effort. Our California laboratories also provide comprehensive testing services and sampling supplies for mold and many other common indoor contaminants. LA Testing even has easy-to-use test kits to identify indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues such as mold, allergens, lead, radon and more.”

To learn more about mold and IEQ testing, or for access to building inspection tools and air 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.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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