Mold Testing Laboratory

San Leandro, CA, April 14, 2017

Late last month, KRCR published a report about a discovery at an elementary school that has parents and faculty concerned. According to the news report, mold was found in multiple school buildings which caused them to close until situation can be properly addressed.

Students were offered independent study contracts as the school district searched for portable classrooms to temporarily take the place of their former classrooms following spring break.  

An investigation of the school buildings found visible signs of water damage throughout the structures. Once water or elevated humidity levels are introduced into an indoor environment, mold can begin to grow in as short as 48 hours in many circumstances. Students and faculty that are exposed to high levels of mold in the air they breathe may experience a myriad of health issues. Molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Mold does not have to be alive to cause an allergic reaction.

“Exposure to mold can even trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to it,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “As an irritant, mold can impact the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of individuals whether or not they are allergic to it. Breathing mold may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a disease that resembles bacterial pneumonia. In addition, exposure to certain types of mold associated with water damaged buildings can result in opportunistic infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system.”

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is available to help the public and school districts throughout California identify indoor environmental quality problems due to mold and other issues. They provide comprehensive mold analysis, all of the sampling supplies needed and easy-to-use test kits.

To learn more about mold or other indoor air quality, environmental, occupational, health and safety issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.  For access to indoor environmental test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 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.