Orlando Testing Laboratories

Florida, along with Georgia and the Carolinas, experienced heavy rainfall due to Hurricane Matthew. After the hurricane passed, floodwater continued to rise, causing water damage to many businesses and residences along the Southeast coast.

Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and mold. Property owners should inspect their property for signs of water damage including walls, ceilings, floors, attics and crawl spaces as well as areas around windows, doors and chimneys.

“After a flood, property owners should be concerned about the potential of mold growth or sewage contamination within their property,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Mold growth can begin on wet building materials in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Flood waters often have sewage contamination or chemicals in them that can enter a person’s home or business. EMSL has developed two testing methods to determine the presence of fecal or sewage contamination: Total Bacteroides and Human Bacteroides. Total Bacteroides encompasses animal and human sources, while Human Bacteroides is for human sources only. The Bacteroides test can detect live, non-viable or viable bacteria, but not culturable bacteria.”

EMSL Analytical, Inc. has a laboratory in Orlando, Florida that can assist those with water-damaged buildings. The laboratory is American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP) accredited for air, bulk and surface fungal examination as well as AIHA Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing (EMPAT) accredited for bacteria and fungi.

The Orlando laboratory is also certified by the State of Florida as a Mold Related Service Provider. In addition, the laboratory is National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) accredited for air and bulk asbestos fiber analysis. The testing facility is located at 3303 Parkway Center Court in Orlando and can be reached by calling (407) 599-5887.

EMSL offers easy-to-use test kits for many environmental factors that may be associated with floods. To request a free test kit for mold or other environmental needs, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

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.