Midwest Floods Cause Billions in Damage and Leave Behind Health and Safety Concerns for Flood Victims

The month of March brought record flooding to a number of states across the Midwest. Thousands of people evacuated their homes and businesses earlier this month in Nebraska, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa and other states. In Iowa alone, the governor announced his state suffered an estimated $1.6 billion in damages.

With the water receding in many areas, families and business owners are faced with cleaning up the mess and filing insurance claims to begin rebuilding their lives. This is also an important time for people to recognize that many buildings that were damaged by floodwaters now may pose health concerns for any building occupants and those tasked with cleanup, repair and rebuilding duties. Any standing water and wet building materials, furnishings and personal belongings have likely become a breeding ground for microorganisms. These include everything from viruses and bacteria, to mold. Some floodwaters contained sewage and there may also be chemical contaminants such as fuels, fertilizers and industrial chemicals.

“Residents in flood damaged regions need to be careful as they begin the long process of repairing and rebuilding homes, businesses and schools,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Some of these properties also likely contain asbestos and lead-based paints, two hazardous materials that can easily become airborne during demolition and repair activities if the proper safety precautions are not in place.”

With environmental testing laboratories in the affected areas and across North America, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers testing services, sampling supplies and test kits for mold, bacteria, sewage contamination, chemicals, lead-based paints, asbestos and other environmental, health and safety concerns associated with flood damage. EMSL also carries building inspection tools and moisture detection equipment, along with a full line of personal protective equipment (PPE). The company has even sponsored an educational video about flood cleanup and IAQ issues that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/3Q1tnHFkPF0.

To learn more about this or other property damage, indoor air quality, environmental, occupational, health and safety testing services or for access to building inspection tools and PPE, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to indoor environmental quality 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