Press Releases at EMSL

Recent severe weather along the Southeast coast has led to heavy rainfall and rising flood waters. Earlier in October, Hurricane Matthew traveled along Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. Now, floodwaters are spreading to much of the affected areas, causing even more destruction.

Many damaged properties have been exposed to flood water. When building material remains wet, mold growth can begin in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Property owners should inspect their properties for mold in out of sight places like basements, crawl spaces, wall cavities, attics and around doors and windows. During the repairing and rebuilding process, mold can easily become airborne. If inhaled, some types of mold can cause illness in those with a weakened or suppressed immune system. Airborne mold can also tripper asthma or allergic reaction in some people.

“Residents should be aware of all of the potential hazards that may exist after their property has been exposed to floodwater,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Floodwaters often contain everything from sewage to chemicals and a wet building quickly becomes a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Older properties may also have asbestos-containing materials or lead-based paints that should be addressed before cleanup begins.”

EMSL Analytical, Inc. has a laboratory in Raleigh, North Carolina that is able to assist with the analytical needs of those with flood damaged properties. The laboratory is American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP) accredited for fungal analysis through air, bulk and surface direct examination and bacterial analysis through air, bulk and surface culturable analysis. EMSL Raleigh is also accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditations Program (NVLAP) for air and bulk asbestos fiber analysis. The laboratory is located at 2500 Gateway Centre Boulevard, Suite 600 in Morrisville and can be reached by calling (919) 465-3900.

EMSL has also sponsored an online video about flood cleanup and indoor air quality issues that can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q1tnHFkPF0.

To learn more about mold, bacteria, asbestos, lead or other environmental testing services, please call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To view a complete list of EMSL’s laboratory locations, accreditations and capabilities, please visit www.EMSL.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.