Environmental Testing Services

Orlando, Florida, October 14, 2024

For the second time in only a few weeks, a massive hurricane has brought destruction to large parts of Florida. Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 hurricane when it made landfall, tore across the state last week before heading off into the Atlantic.

The devastating hurricane knocked out power to millions, and tragically, caused a number of deaths due to storm surge, torrential rain, powerful wind gusts, and tornadoes. A Major Disaster Declaration has been declared for Florida, making federal disaster assistance available to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Milton.

As people across the state assess the damage and start their cleanup and rebuilding efforts, it’s imperative that they recognize potential hazards they will likely encounter in many damaged properties. Some of the most common indoor environmental quality (IEQ) problems are associated with flooding and storm surge. Both can introduce bacteria, mold, sewage, and chemicals into a building. Even water damage from a leaking roof or siding can support the widespread growth of mold in just a few days if the materials remain wet.

“Cleanup activities have been a real challenge in some areas, especially in places that didn’t have electricity for days,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The longer any of these structures remain wet or damp, the microbial exposure risks will only increase. Families, workers, and building occupants also need to be aware of lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed as people rebuild their damaged homes, businesses, and schools.”

With multiple laboratories in Florida, and dozens more across North America ready to offer assistance, EMSL Analytical is providing testing services for mold, lead, asbestos, sewage, chemicals, and other potential exposure hazards. EMSL also offers sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, remediation equipment, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

To learn more about indoor and outdoor environmental testing 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.