Tropical Storms Create Potential Indoor Environmental Hazards for Building Occupants

September 10th is generally considered to be the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season that starts at the beginning of June and runs through the end of November. During a typical hurricane season there may be several powerful hurricanes that make landfall, but there are often even more tropical storms that form and create concerns for anyone living near the coast.
 
A tropical storm, also known as a tropical cyclone, typically forms over a large body of warm water and is characterized by a low pressure center with strong winds, storm surges and thunderstorms that can produce large amounts of rain.  Although tropical storms may be less menacing in the minds of many as compared to a hurricane, these storms can still produce millions of dollars in property damage over a wide area.
 
“The wind, rain and flooding that are characteristic of a tropical storm may not completely destroy a property, but instead will often leave behind a path of moderate to more severe damage in its wake,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The vast majority of these properties can be repaired, although, there are potential environmental hazards people need to be aware before they begin to  work on these properties to prevent potentially harming themselves and any future building occupants.”
 
Tropical storms can create water damage and excessive humidity in a structure that can allow mold to begin to grow in as short as 24 to 48 hours. Improperly removing moldy materials can cause the mold spores to become aerosolized and spread throughout a property. Flood waters may also contain viruses, bacteria and chemical contaminants. 
 
Many materials found in older buildings may also contain asbestos.  When removing debris or repairing a property, these asbestos fibers can become aerosolized.  Lead is another concern and the disturbance or removal of materials containing lead-based paint may result in elevated concentrations of lead dust in the air that could result in lead poisoning.
 
EMSL offers rapid test kits and analytical services to identify these and other potential indoor environmental hazards following a tropical storm, hurricane or other natural disaster.  The company also recently sponsored a video about tropical storms, property damage and indoor air quality concerns that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/sZjLtuBmu08.
 
To learn more about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services or other health and safety issues, 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, 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