Properties across parts of the Florida Gulf Coast and inland have experienced powerful winds, rain and storm surge caused by Hurricane Ian. The Category 4 hurricane has tragically resulted in devastated homes and buildings, and power outages for countless Florida residents and is now tracking on a path toward Central Florida.
People are now faced with drying out and repairing damaged properties. Fortunately, most of these properties can be repaired, but many damaged properties now likely contain potential dangers and environmental hazards that people need to be aware of as the cleanup and the rebuilding process gets underway.
“Hurricane damaged properties may now contain everything from mold, bacteria, asbestos, lead, sewage and chemicals from flooding and water damage,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Mold is a common problem following a hurricane due to storm surge, flooding or just heavy rains battering a property for hours. Wet and humid indoor conditions, especially with no air conditioning due to power outages, can allow for the growth of mold in less than 48 hours in many circumstances. Another potential danger as people cleanup and rebuild is the possibility of encountering asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paints. These materials can be aerosolized and become a serious potential hazard for workers and any building occupants if not properly handled.”
With Florida laboratories in Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and 46 more across the United States and Canada, EMSL Analytical, Inc. is ready to help identify microbial, environmental, chemical, and unknown contaminants. This includes mold, bacteria, lead, asbestos, sewage, and other potential hazards commonly associated with hurricane-damaged properties. EMSL offers all the sampling supplies needed, test kits, moisture detection equipment, respirators, and other personal protective equipment (PPE).
To learn more about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing of damaged properties or other indoor air quality (IAQ), building science, environmental, health and safety services, 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 50 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, VOC's, 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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.
— WebWireID294912 —
