Last month, it was reported that the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) transferred over 600 prisoners from a correctional facility in Coldwater, Michigan to other prisons after mold was discovered in the attic of several housing units. The prisoners are expected to return in several months after the mold issue has been resolved.

Mold can begin to grow in most indoor environments when moisture is present. With enough moisture, many common building materials, furnishing and people's belongings readily act as a food source. Even a small roof or plumbing leak can be all that's needed for mold to begin to grow in as short 48 hours.

Exposure to elevated levels of airborne spores and mold fragments can cause allergies or trigger an asthma attack in sensitive individuals. Some types of mold could even lead to infections in some people with a weakened immune system. Even low levels of mold can cause respiratory issues for people who are particularly sensitive to its presence.

“It's not just water in a liquid state that can cause a mold problem, elevated humidity levels in an attic, basement or crawlspace can also allow for the growth of mold indoors,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This is why it is so important to regularly check for moisture and humidity issues that could be conducive for the growth of mold to prevent a small problem from becoming a major concern.”

EMSL Analytical, with laboratories across the United States and Canada, offers laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and building inspection tools to identify mold, moisture and humidity issues.

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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