Carolinas Face Widespread Flooding, Property Damage and Indoor Environmental Concerns Following Hurricane Florence

Properties across North and South Carolina have taken a battering from powerful winds, rain and severe flooding caused by Hurricane Florence. The storm tragically resulted in loss of life and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of residents as near-record rainfall inundated many parts of both states.

Residents are now faced with drying out and repairing damaged properties. Fortunately, most of these properties can be repaired, but many damaged properties now likely contain electrical dangers and environmental hazards that people need to be aware of as the rebuilding process gets underway.

“Owners and tenants of hurricane damaged properties may now be faced with everything from mold, sewage, bacteria, chemicals and other exposure concerns as they cleanup and rebuild their homes, businesses and schools,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Mold is a particularly common issue following a hurricane due to storm surge, flooding, or just heavy rains battering a property for an extended period of time. Wet and humid indoor conditions will allow for the growth of mold in less than 48 hours in many circumstances. Another potential danger as people rebuild is the possibility of coming into contact with lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials. During demolition and cleanup activities, these materials can be aerosolized and become a serious potential hazard for not just workers, but also for future building occupants if the proper safety precautions aren’t taken.”

With dozens of laboratories ready to help identify microbial and chemical contaminants, as well as lead, asbestos, and other potential hazards associated with hurricane-damaged properties, EMSL Analytical is ready to help residents. They offer a wide range of environmental testing services, all of the sampling supplies necessary, easy-to-use test kits, and even carry a wide range of moisture detection equipment, respirators, and other personal protective equipment.

To learn more about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing of damaged properties or other indoor air quality, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 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