Press Releases at EMSL

While some types of water damage, like a natural flood, leave behind obvious signs of damage, a small water leak in a wall cavity or crawl space may go unnoticed for months or more. Even a pinhole leak in a water supply line can cause expensive repairs as it ruins building materials and may even result in structural damage.

The presence of moisture from a water leak can also result in mold contamination and a termite infestation. A wet environment is ideal for certain types of termites that are attracted to wet wood. Once a termite colony is established, the termites can quickly begin to consume parts of the building. In fact, the National Pest Management Association reports that termites cause over $5 billion in property damage each year.

“Mold is the other common problem associated with water leaks,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Most building materials, furnishings and personal belongings will quickly support the growth of mold if they remain wet or are in an environment with high humidity levels. The presence of elevated levels of mold can also cause indoor air quality concerns for any building occupants. Inhalation exposure to elevated levels of mold can act as a respiratory irritant, allergen and trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition. Many types of mold also produce mycotoxins and some types of mold associated with water damage can result in fungal infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system.”

The source of a water leak that has caused a termite infestation and/or mold contamination needs to be addressed to prevent the condition from continuing or returning. Qualified pest control professionals can address termite damage and EMSL Analytical offers sampling supplies, testing services and consumer test kits to identify mold issues. If mold is found, testing after any remediation efforts have been concluded will help to ensure the mold problem was properly and comprehensively addressed.

EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about water leaks, termites and mold that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/gnksCDgDWGY.

To learn more about mold and water damage testing or other environmental, property damage, occupational or health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For access and more information about EMSL’s Mold Test Kit, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials 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.