Environmental Testing Services

A winter storm that brought extremely cold temperatures across much of the country has resulted in widespread frozen and burst pipes in homes, schools, and commercial buildings. While immediate attention is often placed on repairs and restoring operations, experts warn that water damage can also lead to serious environmental health concerns if not properly addressed.

Burst pipes and ongoing moisture intrusion can quickly lead to mold growth on materials such as drywall, insulation, wood, and carpeting. Mold may begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours under favorable conditions, potentially causing indoor air quality issues. Mold exposure has been linked to allergic reactions, respiratory irritation, and other health effects, particularly for sensitive individuals. 

Beyond mold, repairs in older buildings may disturb hazardous materials commonly used in past construction. Lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials can still be present in many structures. Repair activities such as removing damaged drywall, sanding painted surfaces, or disturbing insulation and flooring may release hazardous dust or fibers if proper precautions are not taken.

To help in these types of situations, EMSL Analytical, Inc. supports property owners, facility managers, contractors, and environmental professionals with laboratory testing services for mold, lead, and asbestos. With laboratories throughout North America, EMSL provides timely, reliable analysis to help identify hazards and support appropriate remediation and repair efforts.

EMSL also supplies environmental sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, building inspection tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to help professionals safely assess water-damaged buildings and reduce exposure risks during cleanup and restoration.

“Water damage from burst pipes can create hidden environmental hazards long after repairs begin,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Proper testing and monitoring are critical to protecting building occupants and workers, and ensuring repairs are completed safely.”

To help educate the public, EMSL has sponsored a video with tips on preventing water damage and mold from frozen pipes, available at: https://youtu.be/2COWOL40RkQ 

For more information about mold, lead, and asbestos testing services, or to obtain sampling supplies and environmental monitoring equipment, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. For access to 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.