Charlotte, North Carolina, February 26, 2025
On the last day of December, the Charleston Fire Department in South Carolina announced to area residents the temporarily closure of Fire Station 12 after receiving confirmation of mold in the building. The station is expected to be closed until the mold has been safely removed from the structure.
Mold can begin to grow indoors anytime there is flooding, a water leak, faulty plumbing, or humidity issues that are not quickly addressed. Mold multiplies by producing microscopic spores that can easily become airborne, and at elevated concentrations, this can cause respiratory concerns. Allergic reactions to mold are quite common and can be immediate or delayed. Allergic responses include hay fever-like symptoms such as headache, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Mold can even trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition. In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of individuals whether or not they are allergic to it. There are even some types of mold associated with water damaged buildings that can cause opportunistic infections in people with a weakened immune system.
“Mold and other indoor environmental quality issues are a concern for everyone, but this is especially true for firefighters since most spend up to 24 hours at a time inside their firehouse when not responding to calls,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “With multiple laboratories in the Carolinas, and dozens more across North America, EMSL Analytical can help in these types of situations. We provide environmental testing for mold, bacteria, and other respiratory exposure risks. EMSL also offers sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, building inspection tools, and personal protective equipment to identify and mitigate exposure concerns to a wide range of airborne contaminants.”
To learn more about mold or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) 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.
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