National COPD Awareness Month and Identifying Indoor Pollutants and Respiratory Irritants

November is recognized as National COPD Awareness Month and marks a time to bring awareness to a disease that impacts 17 million Americans according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The institute also states that millions more likely suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but have not yet been diagnosed.

While there is no cure for COPD, it can be treated and managed. COPD actually refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Common symptoms that people often mistake as normal signs of aging include wheezing, shortness of breath, ongoing cough, chest tightness or a combination of all.

“While smoking is a significant risk factor for COPD, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 4 people with it have never smoked and that exposure to air pollutants at home, at work, genetic factors and respiratory infections also play a role,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Some of the indoor air quality pollutants, irritants and allergens that may aggravate COPD conditions include dust mites; pet dander; mold and bacteria; pollen; scented soaps, shampoos and perfumes; fumes from cleaning chemicals; dry cleaning chemicals; smoke from fireplaces and wood stoves; dusty conditions; dirty HVAC ducts and carpeting; and outdoor pollution that infiltrates a home or business.”

For those who suffer from COPD, identifying the presence of any of these in a home or work environment could help them manage their condition. Results from indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing can provide the necessary information about pollutant exposure risks that could then be mitigated or eliminated to improve respiratory conditions.

EMSL proudly supports National COPD Awareness Month and offers IEQ laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, test kits and air monitoring instrumentation. EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about National COPD Awareness Month that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/Sbl4FLOFBmc.

To learn more about indoor environmental quality testing services or other building science, health and safety issues, 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