Maryland Mold Testing Laboratory Warns of Mold Growth from Melting Snow and Recent Rain Flooding

Beltsville, MD

The Baltimore County Fire Department was busy going from home to home filled with several inches of water in basements as three inches of rain filled the streets in Baltimore this past storm. This past weekends rain and melting snow has flooded basements in several maryland communities accross the state.

During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

Although damage from water alone can be costly, once mold begins to grow in a property the costs and repercussions can quickly escalate. In most indoor environments it takes as little as 24 to 48 hours for mold to begin to grow on wet building materials, causing indoor air quality (IAQ) problems. Due to this fact it is important to immediately stop the source of any water or excessive humidity and to dry the property as quickly as possible. Wet materials need to be addressed right away.

As the waters crest and eventually recede some property owners who venture back into their homes and businesses may be greeted by flooded properties and ruined belongings. Many other property owners are likely to come across roof leaks and other structural issues that have allowed water to enter their properties.

A new test to determine the presence of fecal or sewage contamination was recently introduced by EMSL Analytical, Inc. The exciting news has spread quickly with environmental professionals who previously had limited options for this type of test. This new method, tested at EMSL Analytical, was based upon research conducted for the EPA. The EPA desired a more specific and rapid test for fecal contamination using a PCR based method to look for Bacteroides.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical Inc., is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services to professionals and the general public. In addition, the company offers a large variety of air sampling equipment, sampling cassettes and monitoring equipment. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including AIHA IHLAP, AIHA EMLAP, AIHA ELLAP, A2LA, CDC Elite, CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, PAACB and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Visit website for complete list.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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