Microbiology Testing

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, January 19, 2024

While mold is a natural part of the environment, exposure to elevated levels of it in the places people live, work, go to school, or spend time can cause potential health issues for some individuals. This is because mold is known to be an allergen, irritant, asthma trigger, and in some cases, the cause of opportunistic infections or the source of toxic substances known as mycotoxins.

Allergic reactions to mold are common reports the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These can be immediate or delayed and may include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Mold can even cause an asthma attack in some people with asthma who are allergic to mold.

The agency also states that mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Breathing elevated levels of mold may even cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a condition that resembles bacterial pneumonia. In addition, exposure to some types of mold may result in opportunistic infections in people who have a weakened or suppressed immune system.

“Mold will quickly begin to grow on many building materials, furnishings and personal belongings when enough moisture is present indoors,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Fortunately, there are ways to prevent mold growth by controlling humidity, preventing water damage, and quickly responding to water damage if it does occur. At EMSL Analytical, our mold and microbial testing laboratories offer environmental, industrial hygiene, infection control, indoor air quality and material testing services. We also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, building inspection tools, personal protective equipment, and other resources to help safeguard building occupants.”

EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about mold exposure and potential health effects that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/AutQ1XA37qk

To learn more about mold or other microbial testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675. To access mold or other 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.