EMSL Houston Lab Provides Testing for Microbial Contaminants and Other Environmental Hazards That Are Caused by Indoor Flooding

The tropical storm that hit Texas and Louisiana leaves 11 million residents under flash flood warnings. This powerful storm has caused more than 500,000 gallons of domestic wastewater to spill due to excessive rainfall in a short period of time. Heavy rainfall has left streets, cars and buildings flooded in parts of coastal Texas.

Each year, water damage insurance claims result in billions of dollars in payouts and this category of insurance claims consistently ranks as one of the most common causes of home insurance claims. While water damage due to faulty plumbing and appliance issue is the top reason for these claims, weather-related water damage is also a major cause.

Business owners, homeowners and tenants need to be aware of the potential presence of microbial and chemical contaminants that may now be present indoors. This is due to the fact that floodwaters can introduce sewage and chemical pollutants, and wet properties can quickly turn into a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Mold contamination typically increases the cost to repair a home and it also creates health concerns. Exposure to elevated levels of mold can lead to asthma attacks for some people with the condition, eye and skin irritation, and allergic reactions.

“The introduction to microbial, environmental and chemical contaminants in flooded homes and buildings are a real possibility,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The cleanup and repair process could put people at risk of exposure to lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials. These materials are still found in countless older properties that are widespread in the region.”

The experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. assist in identifying water damage, along with microbial and chemical contamination issues. With laboratories across the United States and Canada, they offer environmental testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, personal protective equipment (PPE) and building inspection tools.

To learn more about this or other building science and environmental testing services, or to access supplies, monitoring instruments, PPE and inspection tools, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To view a comprehensive line of IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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