Canadians Advised of Indoor Mold Concerns Due to Residential Marijuana Cultivation

Recently, the CEO of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) wrote an article that was published in the Financial Post. “Want to live in a former grow-op? Why we can’t allow home pot farming” discusses the approaching legalization of marijuana in Canada and the consequences that will likely occur if people are allowed to grow the plants in their homes.

Growing marijuana indoors can easily result in the growth of mold that develops due to the moisture needed for cultivation and the high humidity levels that are often present in a grow-op. A typical home is not designed for this type of an environment with excessive moisture in the air. When humidity levels are high, many building materials, furnishings and personal belongings will support the growth of mold. Elevated levels of mold can act as an irritant, allergen and even an asthma trigger in some people with the condition. A moldy grow-op later sold to an unsuspecting family could easily cause them respiratory issues and impact the value of the property.

“The article from the CEO of CREA raises true concerns about property damage and health issues that can arise from a marijuana grow-op,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Just last year, The Denver Post published an article about a Colorado couple that unknowingly bought an expensive home that had been previously used to grow marijuana that ended up having thousands of square feet of mold contamination. Marijuana grow-ops in residential properties is just one more reason why having the indoor environmental quality tested before buying or signing a lease is so important.”

To help identify indoor mold contamination and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues, EMSL Analytical has laboratories across Canada and the United States that offer testing services, sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits.

To learn more about mold, indoor air quality (IAQ) or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To access indoor environmental quality test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 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 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