Storm Brings Sewage and Mold Contamination Concerns for Homeowners

Sewage contamination can sometimes be caused when water backs up in drains during local flooding events. When this happens, as was the case recently in parts of the District of Columbia, it creates an immediate exposure concern for anyone who works or lives in the property.

Heavy rains caused dozens of basements to flood in many neighborhoods of D.C. Basement drains turned to geysers as floodwaters contaminated with sewage backed up into homes. In addition to the unpleasant nature of sewage contamination, it also creates health and safety issues for anyone that comes in contact with it. Raw sewage can expose people to a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and parasites. Another concern with this type of flooding is the possible presence of chemicals in the sewage water.

“Sewage contamination and mold growth caused by wet and humid conditions, whether in a home, school or place of business, is a concern for all building occupants,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Indoor environmental quality testing can provide important information about these exposure risks. Test results can also be used to address insurance claims to help ensure remediation services take into account the entire scope of contamination.”

With dozens of laboratories across the United States and Canada, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers comprehensive testing services for microbial and chemical contaminants, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and building inspections tools, such as moisture meters and infrared cameras. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about sewage contamination, property damage and exposure concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/XBRUJEwnVMo.

For more information about water damage, sewage, mold or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com  or call (800) 220-3675. For access to indoor environmental quality (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