Heavy Rains Cause Roof Damage Along with Asbestos and Mold Exposure Concerns

KXAN recently broadcasted a story about an Austin community center that suffered significant water damage last year from heavy rains. According to their report, the children’s programs at the center have been moved to another wing of the aging building due to moisture entering through the roof resulting in water damage and mold.

In addition to the moisture issues, there are concerns over the possible presence of asbestos in the roofing materials. This complicates any future plans for the popular facility that has severed the community for decades.

“There are institutional, commercial and industrial buildings all across the country that suffer from water damage due to powerful storms or a lack of funds to perform the necessary preventive maintenance to avert these types of events,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “While mold and asbestos have been mentioned as a concern in this situation, another very common exposure hazard is lead-based paints. Damaged buildings that could expose occupants to asbestos, lead and elevated levels of mold create serious indoor environmental quality concerns that can have a negative impact on people’s short and long-term wellbeing.”

The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. help to identify exposure hazards to asbestos, lead and mold. Their scientists strongly encourage facility managers and building maintenance employees to have all suspect materials and coatings tested before renovation or demolition projects take place that could disturb these materials. Testing not only helps to prevent needless exposures, it is also required by law if materials containing lead or asbestos are to be disturbed in many circumstances unless the proper containment, safety and disposal protocols are in place.

To learn more about asbestos, lead, mold or other material and indoor environmental quality testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To access IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 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