Mold Discovery Causes Temporary Closure of Fire Station in Maryland

Last month, government officials announced that Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services in Maryland had temporarily relocated personnel from Hillandale Fire Station 24, due to the presence of indoor mold. The station is expected to be closed for about a month as mold remediation takes place.

Mold is known to produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold may cause an allergic reaction in some sensitive individuals, and it’s important to note that both dead and alive mold can cause allergic reactions that can be immediate or delayed. Allergic responses may include hay fever-like symptoms such as headache, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes.

Repeated or a single exposure to mold, mold spores, or mold fragments may cause non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive to mold. Repeated exposures have the potential to increase this sensitivity. Exposure to mold can also trigger an asthma attack in some asthmatics. There are even some types of mold associated with water damaged buildings that can cause opportunistic infections in people with a weakened immune system.

“It doesn’t take long for mold to grow indoors when there is enough humidity or moisture,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL Analytical, we have a laboratory in Maryland, along with dozens more across North America that provide environmental testing for mold, bacteria, and other indoor environmental quality exposure risks to help in these types of situations. We also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, and building inspection tools to identify microbial and moisture issues to protect workers and building occupants.”

To learn more about mold or other 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