Hurricane Irene Leaves Properties with Unpleasant and Potentially Harmful Odors

EMSL Analytical provides mystery odor testing services to identify biological and chemical hazards following the hurricane. 
 
Cinnaminson, NJ, September 2nd, 2011
 
A new tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico has already caused Louisiana’s governor to declare a state of emergency.  Tropical storm warnings have also been issued in Texas and Mississippi as the slow moving storm threatens to dump as much as 20 inches of rain in some Gulf Coast regions.
 
This new storm comes just one week after Hurricane Irene caused massive destruction from North Carolina to Maine.  Countless homes and businesses have been damaged by the record breaking flooding and the long process of rebuilding is now underway in many places.
 
Since the water damage has had a week to fester in some of these damaged properties, building occupants and reconstruction professionals are faced with a host of environmental issues.   Flood water come into contact with a host of potentially dangerous and damaging substances, including sewage, high levels of bacteria and mold, and even chemical contaminants.
 
“A clear sign of the damage caused in many instances can be sensed the moment the front door of these properties are opened,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc., a leading indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental testing laboratory.  “One of the first things people notice, even before they see the water damaged belongings and building materials, is a strong odor that can be overwhelming.  Not only can these strong odors be a nuisance, but they can also be indicators of potential indoor environmental hazards.  Musty sock odors are often indicative of high levels of bacteria being present and in some properties that suffered water damage that contained fuels, petroleum and other chemicals, a strong off-gassing odor may indicate the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  Many VOCs can cause short and long-term health concerns for building occupants,” he continued.
 
EMSL has sponsored an online video that educates people about environmental hazards following a hurricane.  It can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEpmo3Z-wJA
 
For more information about odor, IAQ and other environmental testing services following a flood or hurricane, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, food, and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com