Early estimates of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian in Florida are somewhere between $20 and $40 billion dollars. The Category 4 storm devastated parts of the state leaving behind countless homes and buildings that range from total destruction to those that can be repaired.

Health and safety officials are now warning Floridians to be aware of a number of exposure risks they may encounter as they survey the damage and begin the process of rebuilding. For example, floodwaters and storm surge can introduce sewage and potentially harmful chemicals into the indoor environment. Even relatively clean water damage from a leaking roof or siding will support the growth of mold in less than 48 hours on most materials if they remain wet. With power still out in areas, drying many of these properties can't be done in a timely manner.

“The process of cleaning up, repairing and rebuilding some damaged properties can also mean unique exposure concerns,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This is due to lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials that may be present in some homes and buildings. If not first identified, so the proper safety protocols can be put in place to not create dust hazards, they could pose a serious risk to anyone indoors.”

EMSL Analytical, with laboratories in Tampa and across Florida, is helping residents identify issues associated with mold, bacteria, chemicals, lead, asbestos and other potential exposure concerns. They offer comprehensive material and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments, and even a wide range of respirators and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Understanding what exposure concerns may be present is important for protecting building occupants now and in the future.

To learn more about indoor environmental quality testing of storm damaged properties, 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.

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