In August, multiple media outlets reported that more than 1,200 soldiers at Fort Bragg in North Carolina will be relocated from their barracks on the base. The move is taking place in up to 12 barracks that reportedly have problems with their HVAC systems and mold contamination. The barracks were built in the 1970s and will be demolished due to the poor condition of the buildings. This isn't the first time mold has been a challenge at Fort Bragg; just two years ago, more than 200 people were moved from barracks due to mold issues.

Exposure to elevated levels of mold can cause allergies and trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition. Even for those who are not allergic, high levels of mold in the air can act as a respiratory irritant. For anyone with a weakened immune system, exposure to some types of fungi associated with water damaged buildings, such as Aspergillus, could even result in an infection in rare cases.

“Over the last several years there have been a number of high-profile mold and moisture issues at military bases and with private military housing providers from across the country,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It's important that people realize that mold can grow on virtually any organic substance if enough moisture is present. Most buildings are full of organic materials, including numerous building materials, household furnishings and even personal belongings. This is why responding to indoor moisture problems in a timely manner is so imperative.”

EMSL Analytical, with multiple laboratories in North Carolina, and dozens more across the rest of the United States and Canada, offers laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, and building inspection tools to help identify mold and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues.

To learn more about mold or other indoor environmental quality testing services and supplies, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675. To access mold or other IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories 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, and 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 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.

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