Hurricane Frances Sufferers Can Look To EMSL Analytical For Mold Action Plan

The nations largest network of AIHA accredited labs provides valuable information to homeowners in Florida

Miami, FL (PRWEB) September 5, 2004 -- Dangerous Hurricane Frances is on a relentless course toward Florida where hurricane warnings are now in effect just weeks after Hurricane Charley's rains soaked Florida homes and businesses. Fears loom amongst residents that a similar fate will be bestowed upon them by making the area ripe for mold growth.

"Florida has the perfect combination of variables necessary for mold growth," said Leslie Boggs, national director of marketing and public relations for EMSL, a nationwide laboratory that provides environmental analyses on samples such as mold. "High humidity for a prolonged period of time, moisture, high temperatures and flooding. All those introduce the necessary ingredients for mold growth."

On cue, there was a sharp increase in the number of mold cases in central Florida just after hurricane Charley hit, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said in an Aug. 23 statement, citing WKMG Local 6 News.

Homeowners will need to remove wet rugs, padding and insulation and let it dry outside. Once they're dried, they can be put back into the home if they're in good shape. Also, fixing the cause of the water problems immediately will significantly cut down on the risk of mold growing. Leaky roofs, broken windows and any other damage that allows water to seep into the house needs to be repaired quickly". Ms Boggs said.

Mold has become a big concern among homeowners recently because of some highly publicized cases. Melinda Ballard became a champion of policyholder rights after a Texas jury awarded her $32 million against Farmers Insurance Group for mishandling her family's mold claims. In 2002, the Texas Court of Appeals reduced the award to $4 million for property damage and punitive damages.

In addition, television personality Ed McMahon sued his homeowners insurer for more than $20 million, claiming the company failed to remediate a water-damage claim correctly and the subsequent exposure to mold led to his dog's death (Best's Review, February 2003).

EMSL wants government and state officials, homeowners and business owners to turn to us for support. We have two laboratories in Florida; one in Orlando, the other in Miami. We will provide sampling supplies to test for mold and contaminated water, in addition to the sampling equipment needed." Leslie Boggs said in closing.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical currently holds accreditation's with the American Industrial Hygiene Association [AIHA, the AIHA Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program [EMLAP, the AIHA Environmental Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program [ELLAP, the AIHA Industrial Hygiene Laboratory Accreditation Program [IHLAP, the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program [NVLAP, the New York Department of Health [NYDOH, Texas Department of Health [TXDOH the California Department of Health Services (Cal DHS) for asbestos analysis, and various other state, federal and private accrediting bodies. The laboratory is also a successful participant in AIHA's Proficiency Analytical Testing [PAT, Environmental Lead Proficiency Analytical Testing [ELPAT, and the Environmental Mold Proficiency Analytical Testing [EMPAT programs. It maintains a rigorous in-house QA/QC program to ensure its clients are receiving the most accurate and legally defensible results possible.

For additional information, please contact them toll-free: 800-220-3675. Or you may visit them online: www.EMSL.com
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