Hurricane Sandy Victims Turn to IAQ Test Kit to Identify Mold and Other Indoor Contaminants

Last week, Hurricane Sandy caused dozens of deaths, power outages and massive flooding that impacted tens of millions of Americans.  Some early reports on the cost of the historic storm estimate property damage to be close to $20 billion.
 
With cleanup underway, news reports and public health officials have begun to warn people in the impacted areas of health concerns due to the hurricane.   According to a recent Fox News report, medical doctors in New York are already seeing an increase in the number of patients with respiratory issues ranging from asthma, and emphysema to bronchitis.  In the days ahead, people in the region will likely see additional respiratory problems associated with microbial growth due to contaminated flood waters and subsequent mold growth in water damaged buildings.
 
As people begin repairing property damage from the storm, indoor air quality (IAQ) experts like Bruce Jacobs, CIH, are reminding people that they need to be aware of environmental hazards.  People should understand that mold can begin growing in an indoor environment in as little as 24 to 48 hours after building materials and contents become damp or wet. 
 
“To avoid future indoor air quality problems from microbial growth it is important that people remove any standing water as quickly and safely as possible,” reported Mr. Jacobs, CIH, President of IAQ Index, a leading provider of mold and IAQ test kits.  “Standing water is a potential breeding ground for microorganisms, which can become airborne and be inhaled by building occupants.  Once any standing water is removed it’s critical to have the property thoroughly and safely dried.  In addition, homes that suffered water damage from the strong winds that may have caused leaks in roofs and siding also need to be on the lookout for moisture damage in hidden areas such as attics and wall cavities.”
 
IAQ Index has developed an easy to use home test kit for mold and other indoor contaminants.  The kit provides a cost effective and simple method to determine if mold is a problem. A video describing how the IAQ Index kits work can be seen at:
http://youtu.be/_Zzav8NbPcc 
 
As a special incentive during the month of November, IAQ Index is offering a free radon test kit ($50 value) for customers who order the IAQ Index Basic Kit.  To take advantage of this special offer simply order the IAQ Index Basic Kit at http://www.IAQIndex.com and receive a free radon test kit.
 
To learn more about testing for indoor air quality concerns, please visit IAQ Index at http://www.IAQIndex.com, email info@IAQIndex.com or call (888) 259-3883.
 
About IAQ Index
IAQ Index was developed by a Certified Industrial Hygienist with decades of experience dealing with indoor air quality issues.  IAQ Index was developed as a health-based, easy-to-understand, air quality index that is calculated from data generated for various parameters commonly measured during IAQ surveys.  The approach is similar to the EPA’s Air Quality Index that has been used historically to communicate the risks posed by common pollutants in the ambient air.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail