Employees Leave City Hall after Mold Discovery and Health Concerns

Recently, KPRG in Texas broadcast a report that a number of police officers and workers that are based out of City Hall stopped entering their workplace due to concerns over mold. Before the action was taken, employees complained of respiratory issues and rashes from their time spent in the building that housed city hall and the police department.

While it’s unclear exactly how the mold took hold in the building, anytime there is a flooding event, water leak, broken plumbing or humidity issues it can lead to the growth of mold indoors. Mold multiplies by producing microscopic spores that are so small they easily float through the air. At elevated levels, these can be a respiratory concern. Allergic reactions are quite common and can be immediate or delayed, and may include hay fever-like symptoms such as headache, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Mold can even cause asthma attacks in people with the condition who are allergic to mold. In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of individuals whether or not they are allergic to it.

“Fortunately, the mold issue for the officers and city employees has been recognized so corrective actions can take place or the workers can be housed in other accommodations without a mold problem,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we have multiple laboratories in Texas and dozens more across the rest of the United States and Canada that provide air and indoor environmental quality testing services for everything from mold and bacteria to allergens, particulate matter, lead, asbestos, radon and more. To help in these types of situations, we offer all of the sampling supplies necessary and even carry a line of easy-to-use test kits to identify indoor exposure concerns to mold and other issues so they can be addressed.”

To learn more about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services or air monitoring equipment, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com  or call (800) 220-3675. To access IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 44 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail