West Virginia Homes and Businesses Damaged by Historic Summer Deluge

In June, a powerful storm dumped up to 10 inches of rain in parts of West Virginia causing widespread damage and over 20 deaths. The deluge was so extreme the National Weather Service reported that the chance of the area receiving that much rain at once in any given year is just 1 in 1,000.

The water damage was so severe that even a historic West Virginia resort was forced to close its doors. Countless other businesses, neighborhoods and schools have also suffered damage from the heavy rains and flood waters.

In recent days, property owners, managers and tenants have been working to clean up the mess and file insurance claims. As these activities take place, it’s important for people to understand that homes and buildings that have been damaged by flood waters may now pose health concerns for workers and families. Any sewage, standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms that may include everything from viruses and bacteria to mold and protozoa. Even the elevated humidity levels in water damaged properties can support the growth of dust mites.

“Many of these contaminants and indoor pollutants can become airborne and trigger allergic reactions and asthma in some people or even cause disease,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Another concern is the presence of lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials in many older structures that could become aerosolized during clean up, demolition and repair activities.”

Residents of West Virginia can turn to the indoor environmental experts at EMSL Analytical to help identify microbial contaminants, sewage, lead-based paints, asbestos and chemical pollutants that may now be in people’s homes, schools and businesses. EMSL offers sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and a comprehensive array of testing services to identify these contaminants and potential health hazards. They have also sponsored a video about flood cleanup and indoor air quality (IAQ) issues that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/3Q1tnHFkPF0.

For more information about water damage, mold, IAQ or other environmental, health and safety issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com  or call (800) 220-3675. To learn more about EMSL’s indoor environmental test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail