Mold Testing Services

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, August 5, 2025

 

Last month, a public library in Louisiana announced it was reopening after being closed since late April for mold remediation and renovations. During its closure, damaged walls and leaky windows were repaired. The library also reported that the HVAC system and furniture were thoroughly cleaned, and carpeting and flooring were replaced.

Any place that stores books and manuscripts must be especially vigilant of moisture and indoor air quality (IAQ) issues. One component of IAQ that is particularly crucial is the level of humidity allowed in a library or storage area. Humidity levels can quickly increase if there has been water damage or if a facility’s HVAC system has been turned off or is not working correctly. 

“A favorite food of many types of mold is paper and other materials that contain cellulose,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “If these types of materials are subject to moisture or high humidity levels, mold won’t take long to begin growing. The mold can not only destroy the books and other printed materials, it can also create an exposure concern for the library’s staff and any building occupants. This is because mold is a known allergen, respiratory irritant, and can trigger an asthma attack in some asthmatics. Some types of mold can even cause infections in people with a weakened immune system.”

Dedicated to helping public libraries, schools, universities, and other places that store books and paper products are the indoor air quality experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL has a microbial testing laboratory in Louisiana and dozens more across North America. They provide mold testing services, sampling supplies, and easy-to-use test kits. They also offer humidity sensors, air monitors, moisture meters, infrared cameras, and other inspection tools to detect conditions conducive for mold growth. 

To learn more about mold test kits available at EMSL, visit https://www.MoldTesting.com or for IAQ testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To access test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 

 

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.