Mold Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson, NJ, December 13^th , 2019

Several years ago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Occupational and Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a publication to help workers and employers deal with mold issues. The document, Mold: Worker and Employer Guide to Hazards and Recommended Controls, summarizes basic procedures for mold remediation after flooding and other disasters with an emphasis on worker protection.

The guide states that there are many different types of mold that can grow anywhere moisture is present. Water during and after natural disasters, including floods, hurricanes and tornadoes, can lead to the growth of mold and contamination of building materials. It also states that workers exposed to mold during disaster recovery and cleanup may experience a variety of health problems, including:
 

• Itchy, runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy or sore throat
• Coughing and wheezing
• Severe allergic responses (rhinitis, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis)
• Infections (some types of mold can cause opportunistic infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system)

“The document also states that some symptoms have been attributed to poisonous substances released by some types of mold,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These substances are known as mycotoxins. Whether it’s due to concerns over this or because some types of mold have the potential to act as an allergen, asthma trigger, irritant or opportunistic pathogen, exposure to elevated levels of it in the air people breathe should be avoided whenever possible.”

The laboratory professionals at EMSL Analytical, Inc. are dedicated to helping businesses, institutions and the public achieve healthy indoor environmental quality (IEQ). With facilities across North America, EMSL offers air and IEQ testing services for mold, bacteria, chemicals, particulate matter, radon, lead, asbestos and other pollutants. They provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and an array of inspection tools. EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about the Mold: Worker and Employer Guide to Hazards and Recommended Controls document that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/KYyd8puuBbs.

To learn more about this or other building science and environmental testing services, or to access air monitoring instruments and inspection tools, 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.