Microbiology Laboratory Testing Services

Houston, TX, July 20^th, 2020

Recently, multiple media outlets published stories about the temporary closure of a fire station in Texas. According to the reports, mold contamination and health concerns for firefighters prompted city officials to announce the closure and move of the first responders to two other stations. It was also stated that this was not the first time the fire station has been closed due to mold issues.

Water leaks, faulty plumbing and humidity issues can all lead to the growth of mold indoors. Mold multiplies by producing microscopic spores that can easily become airborne. At elevated concentrations, this can cause respiratory concerns.

Allergic reactions to mold are quite common and can be immediate or delayed. Allergic responses include hay fever-like symptoms such as headache, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Mold can even cause an asthma attack in some people with the condition. In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of individuals whether or not they are allergic to it.

“Unfortunately, there have been numerous reports of mold problems in fire stations across the country over the last several years,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Mold and other indoor environmental quality issues are a concern for everyone, but this is especially true for firefighters since most spend 24 hours at a time inside the firehouse when not responding to calls.”

The scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. provide comprehensive mold and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services. EMSL has two laboratories in Texas and dozens more across the United States and Canada. In addition to providing IEQ laboratory testing services, they also offer all of the sampling supplies needed, easy to use test kits, building inspection tools and air monitoring instruments.

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

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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.