Mold Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, March 28, 2025

Water damage indoors can result in the destruction of building materials, equipment, furniture, and belongings. In some cases, it could even cause structural damage. Water damage can also create an indoor environment that could be hazardous to building occupants. 

Depending on the water source, it could contain bacteria, viruses, mold, chemicals, and more. Even water damage due to clean water, known as Category 1 Water, can result in mold growth in as short as 24 to 48 hours.

Category 2 Water, known as Grey Water, typically contains a significant amount of biological or physical contaminants that can cause sickness when humans are exposed or if it is accidently consumed. Examples include sump pump failures and water discharged from a dishwasher or washing machine. Category 2 Water, which is not promptly removed or has remained stagnant, may at times be reclassified as Category 3 Water.   

Category 3 Water, also known as Black Water, is grossly contaminated. It may contain harmful pathogens, microbes, and chemicals that could cause illness. Sources include sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water, and standing water.

“Mold is what comes to mind for many people when thinking about water damage to homes and buildings, but there are also other potential exposure risks,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Sewage, bacteria, and chemicals could also be a significant concern. The drying process could even expose building occupants to materials already in the building that may cause health concerns, for example, asbestos-containing materials or lead-based paints. Either of these could become aerosolized during the drying, cleanup, and rebuilding process if not handled properly. The drying process could also result in airborne contaminants being spread throughout a property, even into areas not damaged by the water.”

To help in these situations, EMSL Analytical has dozens of laboratories across North America that provide environmental testing for mold, bacteria, sewage, asbestos, lead, and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) exposure risks. They also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, building inspection tools, and personal protective equipment. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about water damage and indoor exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/UcLkVBhsenw 

To learn more about indoor environmental quality 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.