Hurricane Fiona left a path of destruction and property damage across much of Puerto Rico. Powerful gusts and up to 30 inches of rain in areas caused widespread flooding, mudslides and downed power lines leading to most of the islands' electrical system shutting down and residents without clean drinking water.

As people across Puerto Rico now begin to assess the damage and start their cleanup and rebuilding efforts, it's imperative that they recognize potential hazards they will likely encounter in many damaged properties. Some of the most common indoor environmental quality (IEQ) problems are associated with flooding and storm surge. Both can introduce bacteria, mold, sewage and chemicals into a building. Even water damage from a leaking roof or siding can support the widespread growth of mold in just a few days if the materials remain wet.

“Cleanup activities are a real challenge right now with many residents in regions that still don't have electricity,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The longer these structures remain damp, the microbial exposure risks only increase. Families, workers and building occupants also need to be aware of lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed as people rebuild their damaged homes, businesses and schools.”

EMSL Analytical is available to help residents identify exposure risks to mold, bacteria, lead, asbestos, sewage, chemicals and other potential hazards with environmental, material and industrial hygiene laboratory testing services. They also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment (PPE).

To learn more about indoor environmental quality testing of storm damaged properties, 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 46 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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