Recurring Mystery Odor at Florida School has Faculty and Parents Concerned

Cinnaminson, NJ, December 19, 2012

Last month, the Herald-Tribune published a report about an ongoing mystery odor at the Lamarque Elementary School in North Port, Florida. According to the article, a putrid odor of rotten eggs has been a problem at the school for about six years. The odor has come and gone since the school’s opening and has caused everything from a nuisance for those in the school to health complaints. A formal complaint was even filed with to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The article reports that the odor was so strong last month that in one of the first floor wings the students and faculty had to be moved to another area of the school. The school has spent significant time and money having the problem investigated with mixed results.  One fix that has been implemented involved moving the sewer vents away from the building’s air intake system.

Mystery odors issues, like what occurred in this Florida school, can happen in almost any type of building. Odors can result from a wide range of sources that can originate from within a building or infiltrate it from an outside or underground source. 

Often times mystery odors can rapidly dissipate, making it hard to determine their composition and source. “One way to overcome this is to train personnel and have sampling equipment on hand to be able to quickly take air samples,” stated Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, a leading mystery odor testing laboratory. “EMSL provides air sampling equipment and analysis for situations just like these. Our scientists are the nation’s premier mystery odor testing experts. They can evaluate a situation to help determine possible sources and if the odor is a nuisance or possibly creating a short or long term health hazard for the building’s occupants.”

EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about mystery odors that can be seen at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eDzaVWPBGY

To learn more about testing for mystery odors or other indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental concerns, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental 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

Joseoh Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com