National COPD Awareness Month and Optimizing Indoor Air

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects more than 15 million adults in the United States, and many more do not know they have it. COPD is a progressive condition where less air flows in and out of the airways, making it hard to breathe.

Common symptoms of COPD include:

• Frequent coughing or wheezing
• Excess phlegm, mucus or sputum production
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble taking a deep breath

To bring greater visibility and spur actions to help prevent the disease, each year, November is recognized as National COPD Awareness Month. While there is no cure for COPD, it can be treated and in many instances, new cases can be prevented.

“While smoking is known to contribute to a person’s chance of developing COPD, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 4 people with the disease have never smoked,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Other exposure risks exist, like breathing airborne pollutants in the home or at work. Genetic factors and respiratory infections are also believed to play a role. Limiting exposure to airborne pollutants can help those with COPD manage their condition.”

The scientists at EMSL Analytical support the efforts of National COPD Awareness Month all year long with indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and industrial hygiene testing services to detect microbial and chemical contaminants that may cause or worsen respiratory issues. With laboratories across the U.S. and Canada, they also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment. Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about National COPD Awareness Month that can still 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 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