Indoor Environmental Quality Testing Services

Cinnaminson, NJ, May 26^th, 2021

Hurricane season runs from May 15^th through November 30^th in the Eastern Pacific and from June 1^st until November 30^th in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Hurricanes and tropical storms can be dangerous and cause billions of dollars in damage to properties, primarily due to storm surges, wind damage, and flooding.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds the public that hurricanes not only affect people living along the coast, they can also cause damage hundreds of miles from the shore. If a hurricane or tropical storm may be on its way, the CDC recommends that people get their homes ready with the following suggestions:

• Clear the yard. Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage the home. Move bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and building materials inside or under shelter.
• Cover up windows and doors. Use storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the outside window frames to protect windows and help keep people safe from pieces of shattered glass.
• Be ready to turn off the power. If there is flooding, downed power lines, or one must leave their home, switch the power off.
• Fill clean water containers with drinking water in case the water supply is lost during the storm. People can also fill up sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.
• Check the carbon monoxide (CO) detector’s battery to prevent CO poisoning.

"Property owners, managers, and tenants that do sustain storm damage to their home or business should be aware of several potential environmental hazards that could encounter, and understand when it is safe to assess and repair the property,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “For example, water damage or excessive humidity in a structure can allow for mold growth in as short as 24 to 48 hours. Floodwaters could also introduce sewage and chemicals into the building and contaminate contents. In addition, many older properties may have lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials. These materials can become aerosolized and produce exposures during the cleanup, demolition, and rebuilding efforts if not handled properly."

With laboratories across the United States and Canada, EMSL Analytical identifies exposure risks to mold, lead, asbestos, sewage, chemicals, and many other potential dangers associated with storm damage. EMSL also provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE). EMSL Analytical has sponsored an educational video for hurricanes that can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/wxoW5DbMwcE.

To learn more about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing of damaged properties or other building science, industrial hygiene, 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 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.