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Identifying Biological Pollutants to Improve the Indoor Environment

Indoor Environmental Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	5/30/2023
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Identifying Biological Pollutants to Improve the Indoor Environment
Introduction	EMSL Analytical offers laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, test kits, air monitoring instruments and building inspection tools to identify biological pollutants in the built environment.
Cinnaminson, New Jersey, May 30, 2023 A wide range of biological pollutants can negatively impact the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a home, school, business or any type of building. Some of the more common ones listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include bacteria, mold, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust, dust mites, cockroaches and pollen. EPA reports: There are many sources of these pollutants. Pollens originate from plants; viruses are transmitted by people and animals; bacteria are carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris; and household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander. The protein in urine from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne. Contaminated central air handling systems can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew and other sources of biological contaminants and can then distribute these contaminants through the home. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), allergic rhinitis and some types of asthma are all possible health effects from exposure to some of the biological contaminants listed by the EPA. The agency goes on to share that possible symptoms of health problems caused by biological pollutants may include: Sneezing Watery eyes Coughing Shortness of breath Dizziness Lethargy Fever Digestive problems “Other biological exposure concerns in the indoor environment include viruses, like coronavirus, or exposure to the bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To help identify these and other possible indoor exposure risks, EMSL Analytical offers laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and building inspection tools to detect biological pollutants and optimize indoor conditions.” EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about common biological pollutants found indoors that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/cz-h5XGYGNg To learn more about indoor environmental quality testing services and resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675. To access IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. About EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations 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, VOCs, 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 EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA 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.