IAQ Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson, NJ,  December 19^th , 2018

Recently, Corporate Wellness Magazine published the article, “Staying Safe from Toxins in the Workplace.” The feature discusses the importance of creating a safe work environment and the impact of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) on employees. One area of particular focus was on occupational exposure to elevated mold levels and making sure that mold issues are dealt with promptly.

While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces numerous standards that limit the amount of hazardous chemicals or substances that workers can be exposed to, when it comes to mold exposure in the workplace, there are currently no federal standards or recommendations (OSHA, NIOSH or EPA) for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores. However, when it comes to overall worker protection, the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) does state that, “Employers have the responsibility to provide a safe and healthful workplace that is free from serious recognized hazards.”

A number of government agencies have published guidance, documents and fact sheets about mold exposure. In 2012, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released, Preventing Occupational Respiratory Disease from Exposures Caused by Dampness in Office Buildings, Schools, and Other Nonindustrial Buildings. In it, NIOSH reports, “Research studies have shown that exposures to building dampness and mold have been associated with respiratory symptoms, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, rhinosinusitis, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. Individuals with asthma or hypersensitivity pneumonitis may be at risk for progression to more severe disease if the relationship between illness and exposure to the damp building is not recognized and exposures continue.”

Molds in Indoor Workplaces, a 2005 fact sheet from the California Department of Health Services states, “There are no standards to say how much mold is hazardous to your health. There should not be visible mold growth or strong moldy odors in the workplace.” It continues, “If you see or smell mold, or if you or others are experiencing mold-related symptoms, report it so the problem can be investigated.”

One company that has been at the forefront in identifying indoor air quality issues due to mold and other pollutants is EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL offers comprehensive laboratory testing services, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and an array of inspection tools that can help to ensure a healthy indoor environment for workers in all occupations. EMSL has even recently sponsored an educational video about mold exposure in the work environment that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/hhjzdddTQ7o.

To learn more about mold or other IAQ and environmental testing services and inspection equipment, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To view a comprehensive line of indoor environmental quality 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.