Heavy Rains Have California Residents on the Lookout for Mold & Bacteria

March 21, 2011 - PRLog -- Sunday brought gusting winds, heavy rains and flooding to parts of California.  The first major storm of spring brought new concerns over mudslides and even knocked out power to more than 10,000 area customers.   Flash flood watches were issued in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys as more than half an inch of rain per hour was recorded yesterday.

The typical home across Los Angeles and throughout California is full 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.

When flood waters enter a property or heavy rains leak through roofs and other structural elements of a home or business it can quickly soak building materials.  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 chemical contaminants.  

EMSL Analytical, a leading provider of environmental testing services, has 3 laboratory locations across the greater Los Angeles area.  Operating under the LA Testing name, all three are on standby to help get people back into their homes and businesses with safe indoor environments and healthy IAQ.

“People need to be aware of the health risks associated with entering structures that have experienced a water incursion,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical.   “Indoor environments with elevated levels of microbial or chemical contaminants can make people very sick.  Air, surface and testing for sewage can quickly help determine if there is contamination that needs to be remediated and LA Testing and EMSL Analytical can help.”

To learn more about mold, bacteria, IAQ or other environmental testing services please visit www.LATesting.com or 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.