Mold Discovery at Correctional Institution Results in the Relocation of Staff and Inmates

Recently, Correctional News published an article about the discovery of mold at a facility in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. According to their report, inmates and staff from one of the correctional facility’s six structures were moved after the discovery of “black” mold.

Specifically mentioned in the story was Stachybotrys chartarum. This type of mold is often a greenish-black color and can occur in any type of building or property impacted by water damage. This is due to the fact that Stachybotrys can grow on common building materials that contain a high cellulose and low nitrogen content. These items include fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, framing lumber and studs. Growth can occur when there is excessive moisture from water damage, high humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration or a flooding event.  

“When Stachybotrys or other types of mold multiply, they produce microscopic spores that are so small they easily float through the air,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At elevated concentrations, these can be a respiratory concern and allergic reactions could occur. These reactions can be immediate or delayed, and may include hay fever-like symptoms such as headache, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. For those with asthma, exposure can even trigger an asthma attack.”

Helping institutions, property managers and property owners identify mold and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues are the laboratory specialists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. They have dozens of laboratories across the United States and Canada that provide mold and other IEQ testing services. They also offer all of the sampling supplies necessary and even carry a line of easy-to-use test kits to identify indoor exposure risks associated with mold, allergens, lead, asbestos, radon and other common concerns.

To learn more about indoor environmental quality testing services, water damage or air monitoring 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 is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 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