Water Damage and Mold Often Follow in the Wake of Tornadoes

Several months ago, a major tornado hit parts of Greensboro, North Carolina. According to a news report by WFMY, approximately 200 homes were so damaged they would need to be torn down. Fortunately, many other homes survived the tornado with varying degrees of damage.

WFMY’s published coverage of the aftermath was called, “Mold the Next Battle for Homeowners Affected by Tornado.” The title shares the challenges area residents with damaged homes now face due to roof and other exterior property damage that has allowed moisture to enter their homes. Not only can mold cause additional property damage but exposure to elevated levels are a health concern.

“A tornado or just strong winds can cause everything from cosmetic or structural damage to a property’s complete destruction,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Even seemingly minor wind damage may result in water being able to infiltrate a property where it can cause damage to building materials and belongings. This moisture will result in the growth of mold in less than 48 hours in many circumstances if the materials are allowed to remain wet or moist. In addition to mold and moisture issues, wind damage in older properties could also result in indoor environmental concerns due to the possible presence of lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials. If these materials are disturbed by the actual damage or during cleanup, demolition and rebuilding activities, there can be exposure risks.”

To help homeowners and tenants following tornado damage and other types of property destruction, EMSL offers testing services and test kits for mold, lead, asbestos and other indoor environmental contaminants. Their products division also provides a comprehensive range of inspection tools, such as moisture meters, borescopes and infrared cameras, to inspect for wet building materials and other damage. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about wind damage, moisture and mold that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/kYR5aVQ-9g.   

To learn more about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services, sampling supplies or inspection equipment, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com  or call (800) 220-3675. To access IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 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