Understanding Flood Risks and Associated Indoor Environmental Hazards

Flooding can cause devastating damage to a home or business, so it’s important that people understand flood risks in their area. Keep in mind that just because a flood has not occurred in a particular area in people’s memory, that does not mean it will not occur in the future. Flood risks are not just based on history; they are also based on a number of factors, including rainfall, river-flow and tidal-surge, topography, flood-control measures, and changes due to building and development in an area.

As defined by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a flood is a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow.

Although flooding can happen anywhere, certain areas are especially prone to serious risks. To help communities understand their risk, Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) have been created to show the locations of high-risk, moderate- to low-risk and undetermined-risk areas. 

• In a high-risk area, there is at least a one in four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. All home and business owners in these areas with mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders are required to buy flood insurance.

• In moderate- to low-risk areas, the risk of being flooded is reduced, but not completely removed. Flood insurance is not federally required in moderate- to low-risk areas, but it is recommended for all property owners and renters.

• In undetermined-risk areas, no flood-hazard analysis has been conducted in these areas, but a flood risk still exists.

“Properties that do flood may face more than just damaged building materials and belongings or even structural damage; they may also encounter indoor environmental issues,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Exposure concerns range from mold, bacteria and viruses to chemical contaminants. Older properties with lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials are also often a hazard during cleanup, demolition and repair activities.”

People who encounter flooding or other types of water damage in their home, office or school, can turn to the experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  EMSL offers testing services and sampling supplies for mold, bacteria, lead, asbestos, sewage, chemicals and other potential hazards. They also recently sponsored an online video about flood risks, property damage and indoor environmental concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/uEomZzY07Kw.

To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, environmental, occupational, health and safety testing 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, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for 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