Mold Contamination Issues Found in Two Schools of Same District in South Carolina

Earlier this fall, multiple media outlets reported that mold had been found in two schools in South Carolina. Both schools are in the same district and the cause of the mold is believed to be due to faulty air-conditioner installations from two decades ago. It was also reported that repair activities and steps to prevent the recurrence of mold in the future could cost the school district a couple million dollars.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much for mold to begin to grow indoors when moisture is present. Faulty HVAC installations, water leaks, broken plumbing, flooding and humidity issues can all result in the growth of mold. In fact, most wet or moist building materials, furnishings and personal belongings will support the growth of mold in as short as 48 hours when there is enough moisture.

In addition to property damage, mold is also an exposure concern. As it multiplies, it produces microscopic spores that are so small they easily float through the air, creating indoor air quality (IAQ) issues. At elevated concentrations, these can be a respiratory concern. A common response is to have an allergic reaction which could be immediate or delayed. Allergic responses may include hay fever-like symptoms such as headache, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. For some asthmatics, mold exposure can even trigger an asthma attack. Mold is also an irritant that can cause issues with the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of individuals whether they are allergic to it, or not.

“As with this case, regarding the two schools in South Carolina, it is clear that fixing mold issues can be extremely costly,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Proactive building maintenance, inspections and responding immediately to water, moisture and humidity issues can often prevent mold growth or at least catch them before they turn into major issues.”

The scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. can help school administrators and facility managers identify mold issues and situations that could lead to the growth of mold. With dozens of testing laboratories across North America, EMSL offers mold and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services, sampling supplies and test kits. They also provide building inspection tools and air monitoring instruments.

To learn more about mold or other IEQ testing services, sampling supplies, building inspection tools or monitoring instruments, 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 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-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