Environmental Testing Services

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive condition that makes it hard to breathe. To bring greater visibility and spur actions to help prevent the disease, November is recognized as National COPD Awareness Month.

Across the United States, approximately 16 million people have COPD and millions more suffer from it, but have not been diagnosed, and are not being treated according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While there is no cure for COPD, it can be treated and in many instances, new cases can be prevented.

Common symptoms of COPD include:

• Frequent coughing or wheezing
• Excess phlegm, mucus, or sputum production
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble taking a deep breath 

“It’s long been known that smoking contributes to an individual’s chances of developing COPD, but there are also other exposure risks,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “CDC reports that 1 in 4 people with it have never smoked and that exposure to airborne pollutants at home and work, and genetic factors and respiratory infections also play a role. Limiting exposure to airborne pollutants can help those with COPD manage their condition and may help to prevent new cases. At EMSL, we support the efforts of National COPD Awareness Month and offer indoor environmental quality and industrial hygiene testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and air monitoring instruments. With laboratories across North America, we test for a wide variety of microbial and chemical contaminants that may cause or worsen respiratory issues.”

EMSL sponsored an educational video about National COPD Awareness Month last year that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/Sbl4FLOFBmc

To learn more about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services or other building science, health and safety issues, 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.