Water Damage in Healthcare Environments Can Quickly Lead to Fungal Pathogen Concerns

Recently, New Jersey’s News 12 reported about a small fire at a Monmouth County hospital that caused water damage in the ICU and floor below when the building’s sprinkler system went off. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but multiple patients had to be moved to a nearby hospital due to water damage.

Water damage in any type of building can lead to the growth of mold in less than 48 hours if the moisture is not quickly and thoroughly removed. This is a significant health concern in a healthcare environment as there are a number of types of mold that can cause infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system. One of these, Aspergillus, is commonly found in buildings that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels.

Some species of Aspergillus can cause disease in humans and there are multiple types of aspergillosis. They include:

• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
• Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis
• Aspergilloma
• Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
• Invasive aspergillosis
• Cutaneous aspergillosis

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common cause of human infections, but other common species include A. flavus, A. terreus and A. niger,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Hospitals and other healthcare facilities should be vigilant for the presence of mold growing indoors to help prevent infections, allergic reactions, asthma attacks in some people with  the condition, and general respiratory irritation.”

To help in these situations, EMSL Analytical offers microbial testing services to identify the presence of mold, bacteria and other pathogens from air, water and surfaces to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and other adverse reactions. Testing is also instrumental in confirming that cleaning and disinfection procedures meet infection control protocols. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about aspergillosis and moldy indoor environments that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/lbhL9za96jc.

To learn more about mold or other indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To view a comprehensive 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 44 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