Air Force Families Sue Property Management Firm over Mold in Homes

This summer, the Air Force Times published a story about several lawsuits filed by military families claiming they were driven from their homes due to the presence of mold. The cases involved base homes owned and managed by two companies at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi.

The article states that environmental tests found elevated levels of Aspergillus and the presence of Stachybotrys, both are types of fungi that can be found in properties that have suffered moisture issues. The news story references poorly insulated air conditioning systems that allowed for the buildup of moisture and the eventual growth of mold.

Mold can grow on virtually any organic substance if enough moisture is present. Unfortunately, most buildings are full of organic materials that mold can use as food, including many building materials, household furnishings and personal belongings. Quite often, more than one type of mold can be found growing in the same general area, although conditions such as moisture, light and temperature may favor one species of mold over others.

“In addition to causing allergies and acting as a respiratory irritant, exposure to elevated levels of mold can trigger asthma and cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a condition that resembles bacterial pneumonia,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “For anyone with a weakened immune system, exposure to some types of fungi associated with water damaged buildings could even result in an infection in extreme cases.”

The laboratory specialists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. offer testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and building inspection tools to help property managers, owners and tenants identify mold and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about some of the reactions people may experience from inhaling mold that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/-5qsjIY38gk.

To learn more about mold or other indoor environmental quality testing services and inspection tools, 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 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