Mold Testing Services

Dallas, Texas, January 10, 2024

Last month, multiple media outlets reported on the temporary closure of an elementary school in Texas after the discovery of mold. According to the reports, a moldy smell resulted in an investigation. Mold was discovered growing behind walls and elevated levels of Aspergillus and Penicillium were found in the air in multiple classrooms resulting in the decision to temporarily close the school.

Mold is known to produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling and touching mold may cause an allergic reaction in some sensitive individuals. Both dead and alive mold can cause allergic reactions and they can be immediate or delayed. Allergic responses may include hay fever-like symptoms such as headache, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes. Repeated or a single exposure to mold, mold spores or mold fragments may cause non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive to mold. Repeated exposures have the potential to increase this sensitivity.

“Exposure to mold can also trigger an asthma attack in some asthmatics and some types of mold can even cause opportunistic infections in people with a weakened immune system,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These are all reasons why taking steps to protect students and faculty from breathing elevated levels of mold is important. At EMSL Analytical, we have laboratories in the Houston and Dallas areas, along with dozens more across North America that provide environmental testing services to identify mold, bacteria and other indoor environmental quality exposure risks. We also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and building inspection tools to identify mold and moisture issues to protect building occupants.”

Last year, EMSL sponsored an educational video about indoor air quality and student performance that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/M-XiWO44KL0

To learn more about mold or other indoor environmental quality testing services and 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.