Across Florida, millions of residents are without power the day after Hurricane Ian left a path of destruction in large parts of the state. The Category 4 hurricane has been described by Governor DeSantis as “basically a 500-year flood event.”

Powerful winds, storm surge, and widespread flooding have damaged countless properties across the state. In the hurricane's aftermath, building owners and managers have begun to assess the damage to businesses, schools, hospitals, churches, and other types of structures. While the number of properties that have suffered water damage is not yet known, the figures are expected to be staggering.

As time progresses, it's important that people recognize that mold will have begun to grow in less than 48 hours on most water damaged building materials and furnishings that remained wet. While some nonporous materials can be cleaned and salvaged, most porous materials will need to be discarded. Other exposure concerns include bacteria, sewage, and chemical hazards that entered properties with the storm surge or floodwaters.

“With cleanup activities getting underway, there are additional exposure risks in many buildings throughout Florida,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “Asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paints also need to be handled safely or they can become aerosolized and pose a hazard to anyone in the area. To help in these efforts, CTSI's Tampa office is available to assist building owners and managers across Florida. Our building science and industrial hygiene professionals can assess the damage and exposure risks, and help to ensure demolition, repair, and rebuilding activities are done safely. These services protect workers and future building occupants from exposure risks to mold, bacteria, chemicals, asbestos, lead, and more, while also helping companies and institutions comply with health and safety regulations.”

To learn more about this or other property damage, industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com , or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI's reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals' concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

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