Brought to you by East Alabama Regional Planning Commission

Mold Problems Still Plague Many Hurricane Irene Victims

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:34:10 EST

EMSL Analytical offers mold and indoor air quality (IAQ) testing services to identify indoor environments with elevated levels of contaminants.
 
Cinnaminson, NJ, April 9th, 2012
 
Just last week, WCAX in Vermont published an article about homeowners rebuilding months after Hurricane Irene made landfall in the East Coast.  The report highlighted how mold has complicated a number of rebuilding efforts across the state.
 
Many properties survived the initial hurricane, but were left with slight to severe damage due to strong winds, heavy rain and flooding.  A number of these properties have been rebuilt or are in the rebuilding process.  It is essential that people are aware of possible structural damage due to water damaged building materials and potential health hazards from exposure to elevated levels of mold and other microbial contaminants.
 
'Hurricane Irene was so devastating in some areas that rebuilding efforts are still underway, complicated by environmental hazards,' reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. a leading mold and indoor air quality testing laboratory.  'Everything from mold, sewage, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, asbestos and even lead could cause potential health problems for those involved in the rebuilding efforts and for future building occupants.  It is critical that suspect materials be tested so that people's health is not adversely impacted by these contaminants,' he continued.
 
Mold contamination is of particular concern.  Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce and these spores can be found in both indoor and outdoor air where they will settle on surfaces. If mold spores land on a damp area they may begin growing.   They will digest whatever they are growing on in order to survive.  As they release spores into the air people can develop allergies and some sensitive individuals may suffer asthma attacks.  Some types of mold are also potentially pathogenic, especially for people with a weakened immune system.
 
Hurricane season begins on June 1st, less than two months away.  EMSL has sponsored an educational video about environmental hazards following a hurricane that can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEpmo3Z-wJA
 
To learn more about testing for mold, microbial pathogens, IAQ or other environmental concerns, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.