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Fungal Disease Awareness Week and Resources to Identify and Mitigate Exposure Risks

Microbiology Testing

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	9/19/2023
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Fungal Disease Awareness Week and Resources to Identify and Mitigate Exposure Risks
Introduction	EMSL Analytical provides infection control and environmental testing services, sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits to identify microbial pathogens and contaminants to protect patients, workers and building occupants.
Cinnaminson, New Jersey, September 19, 2023 Fungal Disease Awareness Week (FDAW) takes place this year from September 18^th through the 22^nd. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and partners have organized the week to highlight the importance of recognizing, treating and preventing fungal diseases. The agency warns that fungal diseases are increasing worldwide. In some parts of the United States and the world, CDC cautions it is difficult to avoid breathing in fungal spores that cause infections like histoplasmosis, blastomycosis or Valley fever. “Fungal infections often occur in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system, but exposure to elevated levels of fungi can cause other concerns for virtually anyone,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Breathing elevated levels of any type of fungi can cause respiratory irritation, allergies or act as an asthma trigger for some people with the condition. This is why water damage or humidity issues in the built environment that have resulted in mold growth can lead to concerns for any building occupant.” To identify potential exposure risks, EMSL’s network of laboratories across North America offer infection control and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) laboratory testing services, sampling supplies and test kits to detect mold and other contaminants. They also carry a full line of personal protective equipment and building inspection tools to help locate sources of moisture that could allow for indoor mold growth. Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about Fungal Disease Awareness Week that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/T5y-dctOU2w To learn more about infection control or indoor environmental quality testing resources, 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 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.