Mold Growth from Water Damage the Next Concern for Florida Properties Impacted by Hurricane Ian

Millions of Floridians are still without power as they begin to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Ian to their homes, businesses, schools, and other institutions. The historic hurricane hit Florida as a powerful category 4 storm, which Governor DeSantis has described as “basically a 500-year flood event.”

While the number of properties that have suffered water damage is not yet known, the figures are expected to be staggering. A major concern now for property owners and tenants in water damaged properties is mold. Any moisture that entered a home or building due to area flooding or unrelenting rain that is not addressed quickly could support the growth of mold. This can occur in as short as 48 hours on most building materials, furnishing, and personal belongings.

“With so many people without power, drying out a wet home, office, or school is a real challenge,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The longer these buildings remain wet, the worse the mold contamination will be in most circumstances. Exposure to elevated levels of mold can cause respiratory irritation, allergies and could even trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition. Mold is also known to aggravate breathing conditions like COPD. Flood waters can also introduce sewage and chemicals into a property, causing additional exposure risks.”

Helping Floridians identify potential mold, bacteria, and chemical hazards are the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) professionals at EMSL Analytical, Inc. With multiple testing laboratories across Florida, EMSL offers laboratory services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, and even a wide range of personal protective equipment (PPE).

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, and 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 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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