Cinnaminson, New Jersey, January 28, 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently published a Mold During Disaster Cleanup-Health Alert following the devastating effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The agency reports that workplaces with water damage (including flooding, excess rainwater, and/or damaged plumbing) should be monitored for mold growth.
MSHA warns that mold can form on materials that contain moisture, often forming within 24 to 48 hours after water damage. They also caution that high humidity levels can contribute to mold growth.
If mold is found, MSHA provides the following recommendations:
- Ensure that no water or moisture is still entering the area, then dry the area to prevent additional mold growth. The drying process could include fans, dehumidifiers, or other means of water removal.
- Determine the scope of the mold growth.
- Begin mold remediation.
- Any dust removal should be completed with a HEPA vacuum.
- Mold remediation is hazardous. It is important to follow appropriate mold remediation procedures, engineering controls, and to wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) during the process.
“There are a number of ways to test an indoor environment to identify the presence of elevated levels of mold to determine the scope of growth as suggested by MSHA,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It’s also important to note that mold might not be the only contaminant of concern. Floodwaters and storm surge could also introduce chemicals, bacteria, and other exposure hazards into a structure.”
To help in these situations, EMSL Analytical has laboratories across North America that provide testing services for mold, bacteria, lead, asbestos, sewage, chemicals, and other potential exposure risks. EMSL also offers sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, remediation equipment, air monitoring instruments, and PPE.
To learn more about mold and other storm damage testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To access 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.