Mold Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson, NJ,  October 15^th , 2018

Last month, it was reported that several Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcars were found to have mold issues. According to an article published by the Cincinnati Enquirer, a maintenance worker first noticed mold in one of the streetcar’s ventilation system during an inspection. The worker notified union representatives and mold was then found in yet another streetcar the following day.

The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) oversees the streetcar operations which are run by a private provider of transportation services. SORTA posted the following service update about the mold: “Minor mold was found on one vehicle during a routine inspection. Following the discovery, SORTA directed Transdev to inspect the entire fleet and a minor issue was discovered on one additional vehicle. All vehicles were cleaned in consultation with the vehicle manufacturer. We are working with Transdev and CAF, the vehicle manufacturer, to determine the cause and correct the issue.”

“Most people are aware of the potential for exposure concerns to mold in a home, school or business that has been flooded or suffered some type of water damaging event,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Far fewer think they are being exposed to indoor mold growth when riding a streetcar or other form of mass transportation, but this story from Cincinnati shows mold can become an issue almost anywhere. All mold needs to grow is moisture and a food source. Condensation from an air conditioning unit can provide the moisture and even dust in a ventilation system can act as a food source for mold to grow.”

To help identify mold contamination and potential exposure risks to elevated levels of mold, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, inspection tools and air monitoring instruments. The mold specialists have dozens of laboratories and service centers across the United States and Canada ready to help customers.

To learn more about mold or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services, sampling supplies and inspection tools, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675. To access IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 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.