Mold Testing Lab

Boston, MA, May 17, 2017

Earlier this month, the Providence Journal published a report about water damage and mold growth that was recently discovered at a Rhode Island high school. According to the article, twelve rooms were closed at one point after the mold was discovered.

The mold is thought to have become an issue after moisture entered through the building’s exterior wall due to damaged masonry. Once moisture enters a building, it will support mold growth on many building materials, furnishings and personal belongings in as short as 48 hours if the materials remain wet.

Students or faculty exposed to elevated levels of mold in the air they breathe could experience a myriad of health issues. Molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold and mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Exposure to mold can even trigger an asthma attack in people with the condition that are sensitive to its presence.

“Unfortunately, schools across the nation frequently encounter water damage due to aging buildings and deferred maintenance caused by tight operating budgets,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Controlling humidity and moisture indoors is the first step in preventing mold growth and the indoor air quality issues it so frequently causes.”

Helping to identify water damage and mold to protect people in all types of buildings are the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL operates a network of laboratories throughout the United States and Canada that offer a wide range of IEQ testing services, all of the sampling supplies necessary, easy-to-use test kits, and field instrumentation to test for water damage.

To learn more about testing for mold or other indoor environmental quality concerns, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675. For access to indoor environmental test kits, 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.