Orlando, Florida, December 2, 2022
Hurricane Nicole made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane along the east coast of Florida before being downgraded to a tropical storm. This was only the third time that a hurricane has made landfall in Florida during the month of November.
Forty-five counties in Florida were under a state of emergency as powerful winds, storm surge, heavy rains and flooding caused significant damage to a number of residential, commercial and institutional properties. As residents now begin to assess the damage and start cleanup and rebuilding efforts, it’s imperative that they are aware of potential hazards they may encounter. Many of the exposure risks relate to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues, some of which could cause serious health and safety issues if the proper safety precautions are not taken.
“Floodwaters and storm surge can introduce chemicals, mold, bacteria and other exposure hazards into a home or building,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Even water damage from a leaking roof can support the growth of mold in just a few days. People also need to remember that many homes and buildings still contain lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials. These can be aerosolized during cleanup and repair activities.”
With laboratories throughout Florida, and dozens more across the United States and Canada ready to offer assistance, EMSL Analytical provides testing services for mold, lead, asbestos, sewage, chemicals and other potential exposure risks in damaged properties. EMSL also has sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, remediation equipment, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment (PPE) that is stocked and available for delivery.
To learn more about mold and other indoor environmental quality testing services for damaged properties, 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.