Indoor Air Quality Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, October 22 2026

 

When floodwaters recede, the risks do not disappear. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), flooded buildings can contain mold, bacteria, sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants that may impact indoor air quality (IAQ) and human health.

The EPA notes that mold can begin growing on wet materials within 24 to 48 hours of water intrusion. To reduce exposure risks, the agency recommends four key steps after a flood: stay safe, remove damaged materials, clean thoroughly, and dry everything completely.

Anyone involved in cleanup should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including N-95 respirators, gloves, eye protection, long sleeves, and boots. The EPA also advises that children, pregnant women, people with asthma, and those with weakened immune systems avoid participating in flood cleanup whenever possible.

Flood-damaged materials should be carefully evaluated. While many non-porous items can be cleaned and dried, porous materials such as carpeting and insulation may need to be discarded if they cannot be adequately cleaned. Proper drying is also essential and may take days or even weeks.

“Flood recovery involves much more than repairing visible damage,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Water intrusion can create conditions that support mold growth and may disturb existing environmental hazards. Environmental and industrial hygiene professionals can evaluate flooded properties and collect samples that are analyzed to help identify potential exposure concerns.”

EMSL Analytical supports flood recovery efforts through a nationwide network of laboratories that analyze samples for mold, bacteria, sewage, chemicals, asbestos, lead, and other environmental contaminants. The company also provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, building inspection tools, and PPE to assist consultants, contractors, facility managers, and property owners.

EMSL recently sponsored an educational video highlighting ways to protect indoor air quality and health during flood cleanup, available at: https://youtu.be/hN49Ci4lS9o

To learn more about EMSL's indoor environmental quality resources, visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email [email protected]. For access to test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

 

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 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 list of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.