Indoor Environmental Testing Services

Tampa, Florida, August 14, 2024

Property damage from wind, rain, and storm surge caused by Hurricane Debby is expected to be considerable. This is due to the fact that not only can water destroy or damage a property, it also often leaves behind issues with mold and other contaminants that many in Florida and the surrounding states are now encountering.

Just this week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warned:

Flooding, storm surge, and wind damage from hurricanes can introduce new hazards indoors and worsen existing ones. Flood waters can carry biological and chemical contaminants indoors, and standing water and wet materials can become a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and mold. Exposure to these contaminants can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood. 

“Quickly drying a structure and removing water-damaged items is one of the most important steps for preventing microbial growth, but this is hard to accomplish after a hurricane has hit an area, especially when the power is out,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “As time goes by, many of the damaged properties will likely have mold growth that is visible, but it may also be hidden behind items like carpeting, walls, cabinets, and other out-of-sight locations.”

EMSL Analytical, with laboratories across Florida and other states hit by the remnants of Hurricane Debby, is available to help property owners, facility managers, tenants, and others. Their laboratories identify issues associated with mold, bacteria, viruses, and chemical contaminants. They also offer lead and asbestos testing services, two common exposure risks in properties undergoing repair activities following storm damage. Along with laboratory testing services, EMSL provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to help in the rebuilding efforts.

To learn more about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services and resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. For access to 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.