Water Damage Testing from Storms & Flooding

Indianapolis, Indiana, April 22, 2025

Recently, flooding and tornadoes left a path of destruction across a number of states. Tragically, at least 10 people lost their lives and a significant number of homes, businesses, and other buildings experienced damage due to wind and water. Disaster declarations were declared in dozens of counties in what has been described as historic flash flooding.

As the region begins to dry out, property owners and tenants are faced with cleaning up the mess and filing insurance claims. This is also an important time for residents of flooded communities to recognize that many homes and buildings that were damaged may now pose health and safety concerns. This is due to the fact that standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, including everything from viruses and bacteria to mold. These organisms can be on surfaces and penetrate deep into soaked, porous materials. Floodwaters also often contain sewage and chemical contaminants such as fuels, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals.

“Whether it is chemical or microbial hazards, or both, many of these contaminants can be a skin contact concern and many can become airborne exposure risks,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “By now, damaged properties that were not immediately dried out, likely have musty odors and mold growth that is visible. It’s also important to recognize that mold can also be hidden behind items like carpeting, walls, cabinets, and other out-of-sight locations.”

EMSL Analytical, with laboratories across the central U.S. and elsewhere, is available to help property owners, facility managers, tenants, and others. Their laboratories identify issues associated with mold, bacteria, viruses, and chemical contaminants. They also offer lead and asbestos testing services, two common exposure risks in properties undergoing repair activities following storm damage. Along with laboratory testing services, EMSL provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to help in the rebuilding efforts.

To learn more about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. For access to IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.