Hurricane Irene Heads to the East Coasts

 Cinnaminson, NJ
 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today warned that the entire East Coast should be prepared for Hurricane Irene.  The large hurricane, the first significant storm to threaten the U.S. in three years, is over the Caribbean and is heading towards the coastline.
 
A state of emergency has already been announced for some coastal areas in North Carolina beginning Wednesday morning. Hurricane Irene could bring strong winds, flooding and tidal surges to a wide area of the East Coast ranging from Florida up to the Northeast. 
 
People who live along the nation’s coastlines are at greatest risk of experiencing the damaging effects of a hurricane, but those who live further inland are also at risk.  Many more properties survive the initial hurricane, but are left with slight to severe damage.  These properties can be rebuilt, but there are often environmental hazards people need to be aware of as they rebuild.  These include:
 
Mold
Mold can begin to grow in as short as 24 to 48 hours on many types of wet building materials and household belongings. 
 
Sewage, Bacteria, Viruses & Chemicals
Flooding caused by a hurricane can bring not only rainwater into a property, but also viruses, bacteria and chemical contaminants.  Flood waters come in contact with anything they touch, so sewage and potential chemical hazards may have also infiltrated and soaked the structure.
 
Asbestos
Removing debris or rebuilding a property can cause existing asbestos fibers to become aerosolized.  Inhaled asbestos fibers can cause respiratory disease, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
 
Lead
The disturbance or removal of materials containing lead-based paint may result in elevated concentrations of lead dust in the air that can cause lead poisoning.
 
EMSL has sponsored an online video that educates people about environmental hazards following a hurricane.  It can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEpmo3Z-wJA
 
For more information about environmental testing following a hurricane, please contact EMSL at (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 environmental, food, 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.

(1) 800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com