Microbiology Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson,  NJ, December 11^th, 2017

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released information about a study the agency conducted that examined work-related asthma and the percentage of those with the condition who have received the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. The study was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

According to the agency, adults with asthma are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease and just 54% of adults with work-related asthma, asthma triggered by an exposure at work, have been vaccinated against the infection. “People with work-related asthma are particularly vulnerable to pneumococcal pneumonia,” said John Howard, M.D., NIOSH Director. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia, and the CDC recommends that all adults with asthma, whether work-related or not, get the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.”

According to CDC researchers, adults with work-related asthma were more likely to have reported receiving a pneumococcal vaccine than adults with non-work-related asthma, 54% compared with 35%, respectively. Among adults with work-related asthma, pneumococcal vaccine coverage was lowest among Hispanics (36%), those without health insurance (39%) and adults between the ages of 18 to 44 years (42%)

“It’s been estimated by the CDC that approximately 900,000 Americans get pneumococcal pneumonia each year and around 5 to 7% die from it,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “They also report that those that get the condition and already have asthma are at risk of serious additional complications, such as asthma exacerbation and invasive pneumococcal disease.”

While medical professionals can administer the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, there are also steps that can be taken to help prevent respiratory diseases and allow those with work-related asthma to better manage their condition. The industrial hygiene and environmental scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. offer air testing services to detect airborne allergens and irritants. Exposure to these substances can lead to new cases of asthma or worsen existing asthma in some people. They also provide a comprehensive array of environmental microbial testing services to help prevent the spread of pathogens.

To learn more about air quality, industrial hygiene, microbial pathogens or other environmental testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To view the complete line of EMSL’s 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.