Hurricane Beryl and the Mold Left Behind in Damaged Homes and Buildings

Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas knocking out power to millions with torrential rain, powerful wind gusts, and storm surge. It quickly moved inland leaving behind a path of destruction.

The day after it made landfall, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published information urging those affected by Hurricane Beryl to avoid indoor air quality dangers as they use generators for power, and begin to assess and repair damaged properties. In addition to tips for safely operating portable generators, EPA warned residents to avoid contact with building debris and the mold.

EPA cautioned:

Debris from damaged homes and buildings can contain hazardous substances, especially in older buildings. Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur if asbestos-containing materials present in the home are disturbed. Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects, particularly in young children. Disturbance or removal of materials containing lead-based paint can result in an elevated concentration of lead dust in the air. When entering a storm-damaged building, at a minimum, wear an N-95 respirator mask, goggles, and protective gloves.

“Mold is the other big concern following hurricane damage,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Quickly drying a structure and removing water-damaged items is the most important step for preventing mold growth, but this is hard to accomplish after a hurricane has hit an area, especially when there is no power. As time goes by, many of the damaged properties will likely have mold growth that is visible, but it may also be hidden under, or behind, items like carpeting, walls, cabinets, and other out-of-sight locations.”

EMSL Analytical, with multiple laboratories in Texas and dozens more across North America, is available to help hurricane victims identify issues associated with mold, bacteria, lead, asbestos, and chemical contaminants. Along with laboratory testing services, EMSL provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment to help in the rebuilding effort.

To learn more about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services and resources, 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 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