Hurricane Helene Leaves Mold and Other Hazards in Damaged Homes and Buildings

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida last week as a Category 4 hurricane before leaving a path of destruction in Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and other areas. The devastating storm caused dozens of deaths and knocked out power to millions with torrential rain, powerful wind gusts, and historic storm surge.

Property owners, facility managers, and tenants are now left with the task of assessing and repairing the damage to countless residential, commercial, and institutional properties. As cleanup and rebuilding efforts get underway, it’s imperative that people are aware of potential hazards they may encounter. Many of the exposure risks relate to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) concerns, some of which could cause serious health and safety issues if the proper safety precautions are not taken.

“Floodwaters and storm surge can introduce chemicals, mold, bacteria, and other exposure hazards into a structure,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Even water damage from a leaking roof can support the growth of mold in just a few days if it’s not thoroughly dried in a timely manner which can be difficult when there is no power. People also need to remember that many homes and buildings still contain lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials. These can be easily aerosolized during cleanup and repair activities if the proper steps have not been taken.”

With laboratories throughout Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, and dozens more across North America ready to offer assistance, EMSL Analytical provides testing services for mold, lead, asbestos, sewage, chemicals, and other potential exposure risks in damaged properties. EMSL also has sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, remediation equipment, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE) that is stocked and available for delivery to help with the rebuilding efforts.

To learn more about storm damage and indoor environmental quality testing 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