Microbiology Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson, NJ, August 5^th, 2020

Hurricane Isaias went back and forth between a hurricane and a tropical storm as it traveled through parts of the Caribbean and up the East Coast of the United States. The massive storm caused widespread damage with its heavy rain, floods, storm surge and powerful winds. The storm has been blamed for several deaths and millions of people lost power. Many residential, commercial and institutional properties were also damaged.

As residents begin to cleanup and rebuild, it’s important that they are aware of potential hazards. Some of these are related to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) exposure issues they could encounter, many of which could cause serious health and safety issues.

“A number of these IEQ problems are associated with water, whether it be from heavy rain, floods or storm surge,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Floods and storm surge can introduce chemicals, mold, bacteria and other microbial exposure hazards into a home or building. Even water damage from a leaking roof or siding can support the growth of mold in just a few days if materials remain damp or if the building suffers from high humidity levels. During cleanup and repair activities, families, workers or other building occupants could be exposed, not to mention the dangers of lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials.”

With decades of experience identifying microbial and chemical contaminants, lead, asbestos, and other hazardous materials and potential exposure concerns are the laboratory testing experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL has laboratories up and down the East Coast that offer testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection equipment, and even respirators and other personal protective equipment (PPE). They have also sponsored an educational video about indoor environmental hazards following a hurricane that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/kEpmo3Z-wJA.

To learn more about indoor environmental quality testing of damaged properties or other building science, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For access to 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.