Environmental Testing Lab

Cinnaminson, NJ,  January 14^th , 2019

Recently, the Daily Camera published a story about a Colorado man who was arrested for renting homes in the area and leaving them damaged with tens of thousands of dollars of needed repairs. The man is believed to have been using the residential properties to grow marijuana. According to the article, the homes had extensive damage to the walls, floors, electrical systems and plumbing. The homes were also reported to have strong marijuana odors even after they were empty.

There was also water damage and signs of mold contamination which is all too common in homes used to grow large amounts of marijuana. In fact, one of the most damaging aspects of growing marijuana plants in a residential property is caused by mold that can quickly begin to grow due to the high humidity levels that are typically present. An average home is not designed for this type of an environment. With high humidity, most building materials, furnishings and personal belongings will easily support the growth of mold over time.

“Exposure to elevated levels of mold can be a problem even for future building occupants since mold acts as an irritant, allergen and even an asthma trigger in some people with the condition,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “A moldy grow-op, later rented or sold to an unsuspecting family, could easily cause respiratory issues. The presence of mold will also undoubtedly impact the value of the property. Another potential issue, if marijuana is smoked in the residence, is lingering marijuana smoke contamination from residues that cause ongoing odors.”

To help identify indoor mold contamination, odors, residues and other indoor environmental quality issues, EMSL Analytical has laboratories in Colorado and dozens across the United States and Canada that test for these concerns. They also offer sampling supplies and easy to use test kits to identify mold and marijuana smoke contamination.

To learn more about this or other indoor air quality (IAQ), environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access indoor environmental quality test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 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.