IEQ Testing Services

Houston, TX, February 22^nd, 2021

The winter freeze that caused so much destruction across Texas and the surrounding region earlier this month is now expected to cost an estimated $18 billion dollars due to damage to homes and buildings. Much of the damage is directly related to pipes freezing and the water damage that has impacted so many homes, schools and businesses.

When the water in a pipe freezes, it expands and creates tremendous pressure. If the pipe breaks, a supply line can easily release hundreds of gallons of water into a structure, in a very short period of time. The water will gradually make its way to the lowest area it can reach, meaning a burst pipe on a second or third floor can cause water damage to that floor and the floors below. Even a sewage pipe, under some conditions, can freeze and burst allowing potentially infectious waste to enter a structure.

“When pipes burst, the direct water damage it causes is rarely the only concern,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Microbial issues can quickly occur if a property is not thoroughly dried in a timely manner. Any standing water, wet materials or high humidity levels can quickly create the ideal breeding ground for mold and bacteria. This creates health and safety concerns and increases the repair costs. While cleanup and repair activities take place, asbestos-containing materials and lead based-paints can also be an exposure hazard if not handled properly.”

With several laboratories in Texas, and dozens more across North America, EMSL Analytical can test for mold, bacteria, lead, asbestos and other hazards associated with water damage. EMSL provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and a wide range of building inspection tools. EMSL also sponsored a video with information and tips on water damage and mold from frozen pipes that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/2COWOL40RkQ.

To learn more about mold, asbestos, lead and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services and inspection tools, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To order IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories 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.