Vapors Escaping from Bourbon Warehouses Results in Lawsuit

Cinnaminson, NJ, October 9, 2012
 
Bourbon warehouses have been used for generations to store and age bourbon in wood barrels.  As the bourbon ages a small percentage of the liquor escapes from the barrels.  The escaping vapors have long been known as the “angel’s share” of the bourbon by producers, but its existence is now embroiled in a lawsuit.
 
Last month, The Daily Reporter published a report about five bourbon-making companies in Kentucky who are defendants in a lawsuit filed in June.  The lawsuit blames bourbon warehouses for emitting vapors that have resulted in a black fungus growing on properties.
 
Nearby residents of the warehouses have complained of odors and of a black fungus growing on their homes. According to the report, “The air district said it has found that the sooty substance resembles Baudoinia, a fungus that grows rapidly in ethanol-rich environments.”
 
One company that has been on the forefront of helping to test for vapor intrusion and microbial contaminant is EMSL Analytical, Inc. The company has one of the most modern testing laboratories that specializes in determining the extent and cause of vapor intrusion cases and identifying various types of fungi, including Baudoinia compniacensis.
 
“Vapors escaping from a liquor warehouse can cause odor complaints and provide for an ethanol rich environment that has been shown in the past to cause Baudoinia compniacensis to grow on many types of substrates,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical.  “Air testing, both in people’s homes and outside their properties can identify contaminants in the air.  EMSL’s microbiology laboratory can also identify microbial contaminants that may be growing on surfaces due to ethanol vapors from facilities that age and store liquor.”
 
EMSL Analytical has sponsored an online educational video about the dangers associated with vapor intrusion.  It can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TLCXmehOwE
 
To learn more about testing for vapor intrusion, mold or other surface and air quality services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of 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

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com