San Leandro, CA, February 27, 2017
In recent weeks, much of California has experienced rainfall allowing water levels to rise throughout the state. California has been in a drought for five years, but the recent rain has helped nearly half of the state to no longer be in a drought warning. More severe weather is expected to arrive in the coming days.
With increased water comes the increased risk of many environmental health issues. If wet building materials are not properly dried and cleaned, mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Mold is a known allergen that can trigger asthma attacks in some individuals. Symptoms of mold allergies include headaches, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes. Another potential hazard of increased rainfall and flooding is sewage contamination. Often floodwater contains raw sewage that can be left behind after water has receded.
“Often times with water-damaged properties, the potential for exposure to asbestos or lead exists,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Homes and other buildings built before the 1970’s included both lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials such as floor tiles or insulation. Knowing if these types of hazards are present is important before any type of cleanup effort begins. EMSL Analytical, Inc. has four labs within its network throughout California that are able to help professionals identify environmental issues related to asbestos, lead, mold or sewage.”
EMSL’s Northern California laboratory is located at 464 McCormick Street in San Leandro. The laboratory can be reached by calling (510) 895-3675. Additionally, EMSL has three laboratories in Southern California. The San Diego facility is located at 7916 Convoy Court in San Diego that can be reached by calling (858) 499-1303. The Los Angeles area has two laboratories under the name LA Testing, one located at 520 Mission Street in South Pasadena and another at 5431 Industrial Drive in Huntington Beach. The Los Angeles laboratories can be reached by calling (800) 303-0047.
For a full list of EMSL laboratory locations, accreditations and services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@emsl.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.