Tropical Storm Henri Leaves Behind Potential Hazards in Homes and Businesses Across the Northeast

Hurricane Henri was downgraded to a tropical storm just before it made landfall over the weekend. The powerful storm brought strong winds that knocked out power to over 100,000 homes and businesses across the Northeast U.S. The slow-moving storm also caused storm surges and dumped heavy rain over large areas.

As residents now begin to assess the damage and start their cleanup and rebuilding efforts, it’s important that they recognize potential hazards they may encounter in damaged properties. Some of the most common indoor environmental quality (IEQ) problems are associated with flooding and storm surges. Both can introduce bacteria, mold, sewage, and chemicals into a building. Even water damage from a leaking roof or siding can support the widespread growth of mold in just a few days if the materials remain wet.

“The cleanup and rebuilding process can also expose families, workers, or other building occupants to other hazardous materials,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These include lead-based paints and asbestos if they are not first identified so the proper safety protocols can be put in place.”

With over a dozen laboratories across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Region, EMSL Analytical is available to help residents identify exposure risks to mold, lead, asbestos, sewage, chemicals, and other potential hazards. They also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to assist residents as they repair their homes and businesses.

To learn more about indoor environmental quality testing of storm-damaged properties, 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 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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