Moisture, Mold and a Former Bat Infestation Has Employees Concerned at Sheriff’s Office Operations Center

The Daytona Beach News-Journal recently published an article about ongoing health concerns for some employees working at the Sheriff’s Office Operations Center in Flagler County, Florida. According to the report, the facility was evacuated in June of last year so a mold, moisture and former bat infestation could be remediated.

The building was back in the news more than 6 months after the evacuation and remediation project because moisture was once again discovered below carpets and tiles. Insulation that appears to be soiled with bat waste was also uncovered. The article states that over three dozen employees that work in the building have filed workers’ compensation claims during a fifteen month timeframe.

“Employees exposed to building dampness and elevated mold levels can develop a range of respiratory issues, including allergies, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, rhinosinusitis, bronchitis and more,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Bat guano can not only create unpleasant odors, it also supports a fungus known as Histoplasma capsulatum that can cause a severe infection known as histoplasmosis. If the guano is disturbed, fungal spores can become aerosolized and inhaled. Many people who breathe in these spores don’t get sick, but those who do may develop a fever, cough, chills, headache, chest pain, body aches and fatigue. In some people with a weakened immune system, the infection can become severe, especially if it spreads from the lungs to other organs.”

Those concerned about indoor exposure to respiratory irritants, allergens, asthma triggers and fungal pathogens can turn to EMSL Analytical for answers. The laboratory specialists offer environmental testing solutions, sampling supplies, test kits and building inspection tools. EMSL has multiples locations throughout Florida and dozens more across the United States and Canada. They have even sponsored an educational video about potential health concerns due to bats living in attics and indoor air quality (IAQ) issues that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/dJ-86U2obKA.

To learn more about mold, microbial pathogens or other IAQ and environmental testing services and inspection equipment, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To view a comprehensive line of indoor environmental quality test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 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