Heavy Summer Rains Bring Mold and Mildew

EMSL Analytical provides indoor air quality (IAQ) testing solutions for property owners affected by recent heavy summer rains and flooding.

Cinnaminson, NJ

Parts of the Midwest and Central Plains have received exceptionally heavy rainfall in recent weeks. In some areas this has resulted in newly discovered leaks in homes and offices and some areas have faced actual flooding. All these areas that received heavy rainfall have also witnessed elevated humidity levels and any of these conditions can lead to mold growth in buildings.

Mold typically only needs three factors to grow; moisture, ambient temperatures and a food source (most building materials and interior furnishing readily act as ideal food for mold). The ability to control moisture is all that stops mold from growing in most buildings.

The end result of all this moisture is all too often mold growth, which at times may not even be readily visible. With moisture, mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours and begin releasing spores into the air that are eventually breathed by the building’s occupants and settles on surfaces throughout the property.

Controlling moisture incursions and humidity in structures is vital for preventing mold growth. Humidity is defined as the amount of water vapor in the air and condensation is known as the change in physical state of matter (water vapor) from a gaseous phase to a liquid. ASHRAE Standard 55-1992 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy recommends keeping relative humidity between 30 to 60% with below 50% being ideal to prevent and control dust mites (another source of indoor air quality problems).

This can be accomplished by using properly designed HVAC systems, dehumidifiers and exhaust fans. “EMSL Analytical is a leading environmental testing laboratory with over 30 locations nationwide that can help. EMSL provides indoor air quality testing services and products, including moisture meters, that are available for property owners,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President at EMSL Analytical. “It’s important to act quickly to prevent excessive moisture from affecting buildings and to prevent mold growth from turning structures into environmental hazards.”

For more information on IAQ testing services and products provided by EMSL please call (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of quality environmental 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

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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