Mold Problems Expected for Many Across the Northeast

Record warm temperatures are blanketing the northeast this week replacing historical flooding from the past of storm of this past weekend. Many towns in the northeastern United States have gotten as much rain in the past month as they normally do during six months. This historical type flooding will lead to a variety of potential environmental contaminations including drinking water contamination in recently flooded areas.

As floodwaters recede, many residents of flood damaged properties will come to the realization that a variety of environmental contamination issues including mold, bacteria, asbestos, chemical and sewage contaminations may be contaminating their property. The bacteria E. coli can make individuals extremely sick and certain types may even cause death while fecal coliforms are used as an indicator that additional pathogens may be present. Other waterborne diseases commonly associated with fecal contamination include dysentery, hepatitis A and other dangerous diseases. Fortunately many of the water damaged properties can be saved with proper and extensive water extraction and mold remediation and prevention techniques.

“To ensure the return to a safe environment, many of these flooded properties will need environmental testing to determine if mold, bacteria, asbestos, sewage and chemical contaminants to name the least are now present in these properties.” States Joe Frasca, senior Vice President, Marketing of EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Mold activity thrives in warm moist environments and that is precisely what many homeowners may find on their walls and ceilings and in the wall cavities that they can’t see that have been water damaged. The moisture and wet building materials from flooding can lead to mold growth in as short as 24 hours causing Indoor Air Quality problems.”

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical Inc., is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services to professionals and the general public. In addition, the company offers a large variety of air sampling equipment, sampling cassettes and monitoring equipment. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including AIHA IHLAP, AIHA EMLAP, AIHA ELLAP, A2LA, CDC Elite, CPSC(Consumer Product Safety Commission), CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, PAACB and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Visit website for complete list.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail