Environmental Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, December 28, 2022 

Just in time for the holidays, Winter Storm Elliott brought record setting cold temperatures to many parts of the United States and Canada. The winter storm intensified into a bomb cyclone with extremely frigid conditions reaching a number of states that do not regularly experience freezing temperatures. As a result, countless homes and buildings suffered water damage due to pipes freezing and bursting. 

When water in a pipe freezes, it expands and creates tremendous pressure. If the pipe breaks, many supply lines can easily release hundreds of gallons or more of water into a structure in a short period of time. This water 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 sewage pipes under some conditions can freeze and burst, allowing potentially infectious waste to contaminate a building. 

“When a pipe bursts, it’s not just water damage and potential mold growth that becomes a concern,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “For example, an elementary had a pipe burst in a ceiling when a similar storm hit several years back. The school had to be temporarily closed, but this wasn’t due to the water alone, it turned out damaged ceilings tiles contained asbestos. Even lead-based paints can be an exposure risk during cleanup and remodeling activities.” 

Property owners, managers and tenants that do suffer water damage due to burst pipes can turn to EMSL Analytical for indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and material testing services to detect mold, sewage, lead and asbestos. They also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and a wide range of building inspection tools to detect water damage and moisture concerns. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video with tips to help prevent burst pipes that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/KcFH5qFXZcs 

To learn more about mold, sewage, asbestos, lead or other indoor environmental quality testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access 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.