IEQ Testing Laboratory

Orlando, FL, November 11^th , 2019

Bats living in occupied buildings recently forced employees from a Michigan courthouse, as well as counselors and students from a Florida high school, to relocate due to health concerns associated with their presence. One of the major reasons in both moves was the possible presence of a fungus known as Histoplasma that can be an exposure risk when bat guano or bird droppings are present.

Histoplasma can cause an infection in humans known as histoplasmosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people can get histoplasmosis after breathing in fungal spores from the air. Although most people who breathe in the spores don’t get sick, those who do become sick may show signs by having a fever, cough and/or feeling fatigue. Many people who get sick will get better on their own without medication. In some people, such as those who have weakened immune systems, the infection can become severe, especially if it spreads from the lungs to other organs.

“Occupied buildings with bat or birds nesting in them can put people at risk, especially if any droppings or guano are disturbed,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Anytime fungal spores are aerosolized they could potentially be inhaled. Large amounts of guano can also create odor issues that can permeate throughout a building and cause indoor air quality complaints. People concerned about indoor exposure to Histoplasma or other microbial pathogens, respiratory irritants, allergens and asthma triggers can turn to EMSL Analytical for testing solutions. EMSL’s environmental testing specialists, working out of dozens of laboratories all across North America, provide comprehensive analyses of indoor environmental quality samples. Test results can reveal when potential hazards are present and in cases when issues are discovered, testing is also instrumental for confirming cleaning and remediation efforts have been successful.”

EMSL has sponsored an educational video about potential exposure issues due to bats living in attics that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/dJ-86U2obKA.

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