Hurricane Delta Leaves a Path of Destruction and Exposure Hazards

Hurricane Delta made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane, the 10^th hurricane to hit the United States so far this year. The massive storm caused devastating damage with its heavy rain, floods, storm surge and powerful winds in Louisiana and Texas before weakening and moving further inland.

The storm has been blamed for widespread destruction to a number of residential, commercial and institutional properties. Hundreds of thousands were also without power this past weekend. As residents now begin to assess the damage and begin cleanup and rebuilding efforts, it’s imperative that they are aware of potential hazards they may encounter in damaged properties.

“Many exposure risks relate to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Some of which could cause serious health and safety issues if the proper safety precautions are not taken. For example, floods and storm surges can introduce chemicals, mold, bacteria and other microbial exposure hazards into a home or building. Even water damage from a leaking building envelop can support the growth of mold in just a few days due to dampness and elevated humidity levels. People also need to remember that many homes and buildings still contain lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials. These can be easily aerosolized during cleanup and repair activities.”

With laboratories in Louisiana, Texas and across the United States and Canada, EMSL Analytical has been helping to identify exposure risks to mold, lead, asbestos, sewage, chemicals and many other potential dangers for decades. EMSL not only offers laboratory testing services, they also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment (PPE).

To learn more about indoor environmental quality testing of damaged properties or other building science, industrial hygiene, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to 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