Cinnaminson, NJ, April 18, 2017
While mold is a natural part of the environment and it is inhaled on a daily basis, exposure to elevated levels of mold in the air of people’s homes, schools or work environments can lead to indoor air quality (IAQ) issues and potential health concerns.
For mold to grow indoors, it needs moisture and a source of food. Unfortunately, many building materials, furnishings and personal belongings make for an excellent food source. If moisture is allowed to enter the indoor environment, it can become an ideal breeding ground for mold in as little as 48 hours.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares the following on its Facts About Mold and Dampness page: “Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to mold. For these people, mold can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to certain types of mold.”
“One of the best ways to control mold growth is to control indoor moisture,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This is why it is critical to prevent indoor water incursions, control humidity levels and dry any water-damaged materials as quickly as it is safe to do so.”
Those concerned about the possible presence of mold in their home, school or work environment have testing options. EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers mold testing, sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits. They also provide field instruments, such as moisture meters and infrared cameras that can be essential for finding the source of any moisture that could cause the growth of mold.
EMSL recently sponsored a new educational video about indoor mold that can be seen at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPWConEJW9Q.
To learn more about testing for mold or other indoor air quality contaminants, 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.