National COPD Awareness Month and Avoiding Indoor Allergens and Pollutants that Aggravate the Condition

November is recognized as National COPD Awareness Month. It marks a time to enhance exposure for a disease that 16 million Americans have according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency also states that millions more suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but have not been diagnosed and are not being treated. While there is no cure for COPD, it can be treated and managed.

COPD refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and in some cases asthma. Symptoms of the disease listed by the CDC include frequent coughing or wheezing; excess phlegm, mucus or sputum production; shortness of breath; and trouble taking a deep breath.

In the United States, tobacco smoke is a key factor in the development and progression of the disease, although exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace, genetic factors and respiratory infections also play a role. Avoiding tobacco smoke, home and workplace air pollutants, and respiratory infections can help to prevent developing COPD.

Some of the indoor air quality pollutants, irritants and allergens that may aggravate COPD in people suffering from the condition include:

• Dust Mites
• Pet Dander
• Mold & Bacteria
• Pollen
• Scented Soaps, Shampoos & Perfumes
• Fumes from Cleaning & Other Chemicals
• Dry Cleaning Chemicals
• Smoke from Fireplaces & Wood Stoves
• Dusty Conditions
• Dirty HVAC Ducts & Carpeting
• Outdoor Pollution that Infiltrates a Property

“For those with COPD, identifying the presence of any of these in a home or work environment could help them manage their condition,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Results from indoor environmental quality testing can provide the necessary information about pollutant exposure risks that could then be mitigated or eliminated from a home or workplace to improve the respiratory health of people who have COPD. EMSL supports the efforts of National COPD Awareness Month and proudly offers environmental testing services, sampling supplies, test kits and air monitoring instrumentation to help in these efforts.”

EMSL has sponsored an educational video about COPD, indoor allergens and pollutants that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/tv-rKdXoW5A.

To learn more about indoor environmental quality testing services or other 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 with over 46 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