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Hurricane Sufferers Can Rely on EMSL Analytical

The Nation's Largest Network of AIHA Accredited Labs Provides Free Testing Supplies for Homeowners in Florida

Dangerous Hurricane Ivan is on a relentless course toward Florida where hurricane warnings are now in effect just weeks after both Hurricane Frances and 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 residents have been hit very hard the past few weeks, and left the state in absolute disarray," said Leslie Boggs, national director of marketing and public relations for EMSL, a nationwide laboratory that provides environmental analyses on samples such as mold. "We want homeowners, businesses, and state and government officials to know we are here for them. We have laboratories in Florida, as well as Georgia and North Carolina that can provide environmental testing supplies at no charge to the community. These supplies can help residents expedite the testing of their water for contamination, as well as their homes for potential mold growth."

"Florida has the perfect combination of variables necessary for mold growth. High humidity for a prolonged period of time, combined with moisture, high temperatures and flooding introduce the necessary ingredients for mold growth," said Leslie Boggs in closing.

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.

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).

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