Indoor Environmental Quality Testing Services

Cinnaminson, NJ, October 5^th, 2021

A few months ago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the release of new online content about the indoor microbiome. The agency describes all the living microorganisms inside of an indoor environment, and their by-products, as an indoor microbiome. Most of these microorganisms come from people, pets, pests, air, water, and areas of active microbial growth indoors, according to the EPA.

The microbiome that surrounds us all is diverse and dynamic. It is made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other single-celled organisms. These microorganisms may be growing or inactive and may be present in different life stages, such as spores or growing cells.

As far as what is considered a “normal” indoor microbiome, the EPA reports that every building has a microbiome, but there is no normal or typical indoor microbiome found in all homes or other buildings. The indoor microbiome in an individual home or building depends on many factors. These include the people and pets that occupy it and their behaviors; the type, design, maintenance, building materials, and location of the home or building; and climate and other local conditions.

“The indoor microbiome can be monitored in a home, school, hospital, office, or building,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Many of these microorganisms have little to no impact on most building occupants, but there are some that can be cause for concern. These include elevated levels of mold which can act as a respiratory irritant, allergen, or even asthma trigger for some people. Some types of mold found in buildings with water damage can cause infections for people with a weakened immune system. Inhaling mists contaminated with Legionella can lead to serious illnesses and we are all now aware of exposure risks to viruses, such as coronavirus.”

To help ensure the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of all types of homes and buildings, the laboratory specialists at EMSL Analytical offer air, surface, dust, water, and bulk material testing for a wide range of microorganisms. These laboratory tests can also be used to confirm the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection procedures in high-risk environments. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about the indoor microbiome that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/oTbWz86uj7g.

To learn more about this or other indoor environmental quality, building science, industrial hygiene, and infection control testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com, or call (800) 220-3675. 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.