Mississippi River Flood Victims on the Lookout for Mold & Bacteria

May 11, 2011 - PRLog -- Earlier this week, it was announced that the Mississippi River had crested around Memphis, while downstream many communities were still facing additional flooding.  The water levels in Memphis had not been observed since the 1930s and many low lying areas were heavily damaged by the flood waters.

Further south, in Louisiana, it was reported that the Army Corps of Engineers had opened the Bonnet Carre spillway to divert some of the raging river waters away from New Orleans.  Today it was announced that by Friday another floodway, the Morganza, could be opened to spare the city, but by doing so it will flood an area of 3 million acres and 2,500 residents.

Property owners from Illinois to Louisiana are in the process of everything from beginning the cleanup process in the north to preparing for flooding in the south.  A typical home or business already has small levels of biological contaminants and any flooding or increased humidity levels can quickly make the situation worse.  The contaminants can include bacteria, mold, viruses and even dust mites.  If there are sensitized or susceptible individuals in the home, or when these contaminants are at elevated levels, people can quickly become sick.

These flooded properties not only have to deal with water damage issues and possible structural concerns, but also environmental concerns since flood waters may contain sewage, bacteria, viruses and even chemical contaminants.  

EMSL Analytical, a leading provider of environmental testing services, has their network of over 30 laboratory locations prepared to help property owners determine if their homes or businesses have potential health hazards now due to the flooding. “The flooding has caused loss and devastation right through the heartland of the country,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical.   “At EMSL Analytical we are ready to help with testing supplies, equipment and rapid results for laboratory analyses from the entire region.”

EMSL recently cosponsored a video on flooding and IAQ that can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPAVegOUkQ0



To learn more about mold, bacteria, IAQ or other environmental testing services please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

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EMSL Analytical Inc. is a nationally recognized accredited testing laboratory and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, microbiology, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services to professionals and the general public.