Water and wind damage claims from Hurricane Ian are expected to be in the tens of billions of dollars. Not only can water destroy or damage a property, it also often leaves behind issues with mold contamination that many in Florida are already encountering.

Mold contamination typically increases the cost to repair a home or building and it can also create health concerns. Exposure to elevated levels of mold can lead to asthma attacks for some people with the condition, eye and skin irritation, and allergic reactions. Some types of mold can also lead to infections in people with a weakened immune system. In addition, floodwaters may have carried sewage or chemicals into a structure. This could cause exposure risks to viruses, bacteria and other hazards, as well as mold.

“Quickly drying a structure and removing water-damaged items is the most important step for preventing mold growth, but this is hard to accomplish after a catastrophic hurricane has hit an area, especially when there is no power,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “As time has gone by, many of the damaged properties likely have mold growth that is visible, but it may also be hidden under or behind items like carpeting, walls, cabinets and other out-of-sight locations.”

EMSL Analytical, with laboratories across Florida, is available to help hurricane victims identify issues associated with mold, bacteria and chemical contaminants. They also offer lead and asbestos testing services, another common exposure risk for properties undergoing repair activities following storm damage. Along with laboratory testing services, EMSL provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment (PPE) to help in the rebuilding effort.

To learn more about mold and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services and supplies, 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 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.

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