Remediation and Restoration Firms Begin Cleanup in Pensacola

When floods hit Pensacola, Florida homes and businesses, residents need to be aware of potential hazards that may impact the indoor air quality of a building.  Even though these issues may seem like the least of a person’s worries right after a flood has caused damage to their building, failure to take certain steps can create long-term hazards for building occupants.

Excessive moisture in a structure after a flood is an indoor air quality and environmental concern for a number of reasons, including:

• Any microorganisms brought into a building during flooding may present a health hazard. These organisms can penetrate deep into soaked, porous materials and later be released into the air or any remaining water.

• High humidity and moist materials provide ideal environments for the rapid growth of microorganisms that were already present in the home before the flood.

• Long-term increases in humidity in a building can also foster the growth of dust mites, which are a major cause of allergic reactions and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.

EMSL, one of Florida’s leading indoor environmental quality testing laboratories, is often called upon by flood victims to help determine if their home or property is safe from both chemical and biological contaminants after a flood has occurred.  “Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, including bacteria and mold,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “After the flood waters have receded, many of these microorganisms can become airborne.  If inhaled, they could cause disease, trigger allergic reactions or even an asthma attack.”
 
During cleanup, people should be aware of additional health and safety concerns. This includes potential exposure to lead, dust and asbestos fibers in older buildings as well as any chemical pollutants that may have been part of the flood waters.  To help educate people about flood cleanup and indoor pollutants, EMSL has sponsored a video that can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q1tnHFkPF0.

To learn more about testing for indoor air quality (IAQ) or environmental contaminants following a flood, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@LATesting.com  or call ;(877) 476-5866.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL is Florida’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, EMSL offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, and other states.  The EMSL Analytical, Inc. network has multiple laboratories throughout the United States and Canada.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail