Hailstorm Season Means Property Damage and the Potential for Indoor Environmental Issues

May is generally considered to be the beginning of hailstorm season, which runs through September in most parts of the United States. Within just the first few weeks of the start of the season, major hailstorms resulting in costly property damage were reported in multiple states.

In Colorado, a mall was so severely damaged from hail and subsequent water damage that it was forced to close its doors for several months to make repairs and remediate the damage according to media reports. Next door in Oklahoma, a hailstorm occurred just a few days later that is believed to have damaged most of the approximately 250 homes in a small town.

While some hailstorms do relatively little damage to property, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that hail causes approximately $1 billion dollars in damage to properties and crops each year.

“Storm that produces hail damage can occur anywhere, although there are parts of the country that receive these severe weather events more frequently,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Fortunately, hail damage to a home or building is typically covered by property insurance policies. For those who do experience hail damage, be on the lookout for signs of water damage and mold growth if materials have remained wet or moist for more than a few days. If the damage requires demolition and repair activities, property owners and tenants should also be vigilant regarding building materials and surfaces that may contain asbestos or lead-based paints. These can easily become aerosolized and cause an immediate health concern if not handled properly.”

Residential and commercial property owners and tenants that have experienced any form of property damage can turn to EMSL Analytical, Inc. for indoor environmental quality testing services, sampling supplies and even test kits. EMSL offers testing for mold, asbestos, lead and other exposure risks. They also supply equipment, such as moisture meters, infrared cameras and boroscopes that can be instrumental in locating water damage. EMSL has even sponsored a video about hailstorms, property damage and indoor environmental concerns that can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpxPvwJsQmU.

To learn more about indoor environmental testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To view the complete line of indoor environmental test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail