Microbiology Testing Services

Fungal Disease Awareness Week (FDAW) takes place from September 15^th through the 19^th this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and partners have organized the week to highlight the importance of recognizing, treating, and preventing fungal diseases.

For 2025, CDC's outreach activities focus on a different cross-cutting fungal disease theme each day. They include:

• 9/15 Testing and Antifungals
• 9/16 Fungal Diseases and One Health
• 9/17 Neglected Tropical Diseases
• 9/18 Fungal Pneumonias
• 9/19 Fungal Diseases and Drug Resistance

 
The agency warns:

Fungal diseases are increasing worldwide. Yet, they are often misdiagnosed, which can lead to severe, potentially chronic illness, and sometimes costs lives. Additionally, misdiagnosed patients often receive antibiotics, drugs designed to fight bacteria, instead of the antifungals needed to treat fungal infections.

“Fungal infections can be a serious concern for people with a weakened immune system,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Even for people with a healthy immune system, exposure to elevated levels of any type of fungi in the air they breathe can cause respiratory irritation, allergies, and even act as an asthma trigger for some asthmatics. These are all reasons why water damage or humidity issues in the built environment that have resulted in indoor mold growth can lead to issues. To help identify these types of exposure risks, EMSL Analytical’s laboratories offer infection control and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) laboratory testing services. We also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, and personal protective equipment to detect and mitigate contact with mold and other contaminants.”

Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about Fungal Disease Awareness Week that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/T5y-dctOU2w 

To learn more about infection control or 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. 

 

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.