Back-to-School Resources to Optimize Indoor Environmental Conditions

Students and teachers are returning to classrooms to start the new school year. Once again, indoor air quality (IAQ) and other environmental aspects of the built environment should be a priority to help ensure conditions are conducive for learning.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

Poor indoor air quality can impact the comfort and health of students and staff, which, in turn, can affect concentration, attendance, and student performance. In addition, if schools fail to respond promptly to poor IAQ, students and staff are at an increased risk of short-term health problems, such as fatigue and nausea, as well as long-term problems like asthma.

“After the long summer break, it’s not uncommon to encounter some indoor environmental quality issues when reopening a school building,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Examining HVAC systems and checking for water damage, mold, and even potentially flushing building water systems to minimize Legionella exposure risks are all things to consider having done. Testing potable water sources for lead, and ensuring adequate ventilation, filtration, and infection control procedures are in place are also now part of the criteria for assessing indoor conditions at many school districts and university campuses.”

To help school administrators provide a safe and healthy learning environment, EMSL Analytical offers laboratory testing services for bacteria, viruses, mold, chemicals, asbestos, lead, and other common exposure risks. With laboratories throughout North America, EMSL also provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, and building inspection tools. They even sponsored an educational video about IAQ issues in schools several years ago that can still be seen at: http://youtu.be/8ktQGXR5xPA

To learn more about this or other environmental testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To view the complete line of test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 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, VOCs, 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 EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA 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