Fungal Disease Awareness Week and Infection Control Resources

For 2024, Fungal Disease Awareness Week (FDAW) takes place from September 16^th through the 20^th. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and partners have organized the week to highlight the importance of recognizing, treating, and preventing fungal diseases.

The agency warns that fungal diseases are increasing worldwide, and signs suggest this trend will increase. CDC also reports that studies show that global temperature increases may allow environmental infectious fungi to grow in new areas that were previously too cold.

“Fungal diseases are also often misdiagnosed which can create a number of challenges,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In addition to fungal infection concerns, simple exposure to elevated levels of any type of fungi in the air people breathe can cause respiratory irritation, allergies, and even act as an asthma trigger for some asthmatics.”

These are all reasons why water damage or humidity issues in the built environment that have resulted in indoor mold growth can lead to concerns. To identify these types of exposure risks, EMSL Analytical’s network of laboratories across North America offer infection control and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) laboratory testing services. They also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, and building inspection tools to detect mold and other contaminants.

Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about Fungal Disease Awareness Week that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/T5y-dctOU2w

To learn more about infection control or indoor environmental quality testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com . To access 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