EMLab P&K Helps North Dakota with Mold Testing and Bacteria Testing After Flooding

San Bruno, CA, July 11, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The Souris River overflowed its banks last month, breaking a 130-year-old high-water record and damaging thousands of homes. About 11,000 people were evacuated from Minot, ND neighborhoods nearest the river as the water crested nearly 13 feet above flood stage. The flood damaged an estimated 4,100 homes in Minot, ND, most of which were not insured against flooding. The damage was so severe that Mayor Curt Zimbelman said demolition may be the only answer for nearly one-fifth of the damaged homes.

Some flood victims have been allowed to return to the area to salvage what they can. Returning residents said the situation has been “very hard to deal with,” and that mold and unsanitary conditions are causing a terrible stench. The severe flooding destroyed many homes, but some homes and business buildings may be salvageable through remediation. In addition to losing personal possessions, residents and property owners must deal with potential environmental health concerns such as bacterial contamination, mold growth, sewage contamination and other health concerns caused by excessive flooding and water damage. After remediation is completed, property owners should have a qualified indoor air quality (IAQ) professional perform mold testing and bacteria testing to confirm the remediation was successful. Property owners who need a qualified IAQ professional can contact EMLab P&K for a referral.

“The flooding in North Dakota has been devastating. As people begin to recover, time is critical so EMLab P&K is committed and ready to help with mold and bacterial analysis to expedite the recovery process,” said Belinda Vega, EMLab P&K’s President. “Through our partnership with TestAmerica, we can offer additional environmental testing services to address emerging health concerns quickly. As always, clients can expect and trust the quality and accuracy of our lab analysis.”

To help flood victims recover quickly, EMLab P&K is adding local and overall mold testing and bacteria testing capacity, including weekend and emergency staffing to support the increased need for environmental testing. As the nation’s leading environmental testing laboratory, EMLab P&K has analytical laboratories around the Midwest including AIHA accredited labs at Chicago, IL and Denver, CO. Through TestAmerica’s network of laboratories, EMLab P&K also has sample drop-off locations in Minnesota (Minneapolis area), Iowa (Cedar Falls and Davenport), and Missouri (St. Louis and Kansas City areas).

Environmental consultants and professionals who are assisting property owners and government agencies in flood affected areas need proper equipment and sampling supplies. EMLab P&K’s Products Division offers personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as testing equipment and sampling supplies for mold and bacteria testing.

About EMLab P&K
EMLab P&K, a TestAmerica company, is one of the leading commercial indoor air quality laboratories in North America with over 60 service and drop-off locations throughout the United States. EMLab P&K specializes in analyzing air and surface samples to identify mold, bacteria, fungi, asbestos, and allergens. EMLab P&K also offers USP 797 testing, PCR testing, radon analysis, and materials testing. EMLab P&K has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations and government agencies including: AIHA, NVLAP, CA-ELAP, NY-ELAP, Texas DSHS, and other accrediting programs.

###