Cinnaminson, NJ, July 22nd, 2016
While many people associate rodent infestations with large urban environments, they can also be a significant challenge in rural communities. In fact, virtually everywhere across the globe where people have settled, rats and mice can also be found. These rodents often try to live in and around people’s homes, schools and businesses as they seek shelter and food.
The presence of rodents can lead to both property damage and health concerns for building occupants living or working in infested properties. In addition to chewing through wood, insulation and many other materials, rodents are known to gnaw at electrical wires. This could result in a dangerous and costly fire. Rodents are also known to chew through water and drain pipes which could result in flooding, water damage, mold growth and even sewage contamination.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Worldwide, rats and mice spread over 35 diseases. These diseases can be spread to humans directly, through handling of rodents, through contact with rodent feces, urine, saliva, or through rodent bites. Diseases carried by rodents can also be spread to humans indirectly, through ticks, mites or fleas that have fed on an infected rodent.”
“In addition to diseases spread by rodents, many people are allergic to their presence,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Exposure could even trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition. At EMSL, we offer indoor environmental testing services to identify rat and mouse allergens. This service can help identify problems and provide building occupants who suffer from allergies and asthma the information they need to mitigate their exposure risks. Testing can also be instrumental for helping to determine how comprehensively an indoor environment has been remediated following a rodent infestation.”
EMSL recently sponsored a video about rodent infestations, property damage and indoor environmental concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/0oiH1jj8ELU.
To learn more about indoor allergens or other environmental testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For access and more information about allergen test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.