Teachers’ Union Offers Help to New York Educators Facing Indoor Environmental Health and Safety Issues

Earlier this year, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) released information aimed at teachers across New York that may encounter potential health and safety hazards in their classrooms and school buildings. The document specifically mentioned health and safety issues associated with exposure to mold, asbestos, indoor air quality (IAQ), and construction and renovation related issues.

The union reminded teachers, “The UFT strives to increase awareness of risks, promote injury prevention, take action against unsafe and/or unhealthy conditions and advocate for staff.” This was an important reminder as exposure to indoor pollutants and hazards can cause not only health concerns, but also impact students’ ability to learn and thrive. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Poor indoor air quality can impact the comfort and health of students and staff, which in turn can affect concentration, attendance and student performance.  In addition, if schools fail to respond promptly to poor IAQ, students and staff are at an increased risk of short-term health problems, such as fatigue and nausea, as well as long-term problems like asthma.”

In New York and across the United States and Canada, EMSL Analytical, Inc. is also helping teachers, union officials, school administrators and concerned parents identify indoor environmental quality issues in schools. EMSL offers comprehensive testing services for a wide range of microbial and chemical pollutants, including mold, bacteria, lead, asbestos, radon, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and more. With multiple laboratories in New York and dozens more across North America, EMSL’s laboratory specialists provide all of the sampling supplies necessary, carry a wide range of air monitoring instruments and inspection equipment, and even offer easy-to-use test kits. They have also sponsored an educational video about IAQ issues in schools that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/8ktQGXR5xPA.

To learn more about this or other occupational, environmental, air quality, health and safety 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