EMSL Analytical Performs Advanced Laboratory Analyses for EPA

EPA Study on Waterborne Fecal Contamination Identifies New Rapid Testing Methods.

Westmont, NJ, March 29, 2007

EMSL Analytical recently completed a host of DNA testing methods utilizing advanced PCR technologies to assist the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in developing new methods for the rapid detection of fecal indicator microorganisms in public water recreational areas.

The frequency of public beach closures due to illnesses attributable to recreational water exposure has been a growing concern for health officials in recent years. The number of incidences and outbreaks has been growing and previous sampling technologies utilized by public health officials to determine the water quality often took 24 hours or more for completion. This time frame was unacceptable since water quality conditions can change rapidly due to changes in weather, currents, and events in surrounding areas.

In 2000, an amendment to the Clean Water Act was passed by Congress. The Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act of 2000 directed the EPA to investigate new technologies to rapidly quantify fecal indicator bacteria in recreational waters. The outcome of this amendment has been a rapid detection method that can provide conclusive results in less than 2 hours.

“EMSL has a long tradition of partnering with the EPA and other government agencies to assist in protecting the public’s health,” said Joe Frasca, Vice President, Sales & Marketing at EMSL Analytical. “Our advanced DNA and water testing laboratories provided important assistance to help reach this public health milestone,” Frasca went on to report.

The recently published study to determine the ability of rapid water-quality microbial indictor tests to predict gastrointestinal illnesses has been a major step towards increased safety in our nation’s recreational waters. Additional studies will likely occur in the near future.

To view the complete article detailing this important study please visit the EMSL website.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a top provider of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public across the nation and internationally. Over 10,000 customers rely on the services provided at EMSL’s 25 laboratory locations. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.
To learn more about EMSL Analytical please visit:
www.emsl.com or www.LATesting.com, or contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675 or info@emsl.com.

Contact Information

Diane Miskowski

Business Development Manager

EMSL Analytical Inc.

Contact via E-mail