Microbiology Laboratory Testing Services

Cinnaminson, NJ, July 21^st, 2020

Each year, water damage insurance claims result in billions of dollars in payouts and this category of insurance claims consistently ranks as one of the most common causes of home insurance claims. While water damage due to faulty plumbing and appliance issue is the top reason for these claims, weather-related water damage is also a major cause.

Not only can water destroy or damage property, it also often leaves behind issues with mold contamination. Mold contamination typically increases the cost to repair a home and it also creates health concerns. Exposure to elevated levels of mold can lead to asthma attacks for some people with the condition, eye and skin irritation, and allergic reactions. Some types of mold can also lead to infections in people with weakened immune systems. In addition, flood water may have carried sewage or chemicals into the home. This could cause exposure risks to viruses, bacteria and other hazards, as well as mold.

Flooding and water damage due to natural disasters is such a significant issue that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released a guidance document to help homeowners and renters deal with mold cleanup after a flooding event. Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup after Disasters provides helpful information about some of the hazards people may encounter after a flood and tips to protect those faced with mold and cleaning up the damage.

“The document states that drying a home and removing water-damaged items is the most important step for preventing mold damage,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “If a home is flooded, and it, along with furnishings and other possessions are not dried out within 24 to 48 hours, mold growth should be assumed. The mold may be visible along with a moldy odor, but it may also be hidden under or behind items like carpeting, walls, cabinets and other out of sight locations.”

Helping to identify water damage along with microbial and chemical contamination issues are the experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. With laboratories across the United States and Canada, they offer environmental testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, personal protective equipment (PPE) and building inspection tools. EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video discussing the government’s guidance document that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/BbNsFkwj10g.

To learn more about this or other building science and environmental testing services, or to access supplies, monitoring instruments, PPE 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 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.