DIY IAQ Test Kits Available to Tropical Storm Debby Flood Victims

Slow-moving Tropical Storm Debby traveled out of the state near Jacksonville this past Wednesday, not only leaving behind a soggy trail of damaged homes, beaches and roads but also a microbial nightmare. At least 7 deaths were reported in this 2012 storm that left thousands homeless and countless businesses closed.

The receding flood waters are typically tainted with sewage and other toxins. Flood water is toxic and may contain a number of harmful microorganisms such as viruses, mycoplasma, bacteria, protozoa, molds and other detrimental remains of biological and a-biological pollutants.

Even when a building structure has recovered from water damage (cat 1 thru cat 3), it can still pose a health threat. Though everything may appear OK visually, the interstitial side of the buildings structure may be blooming with fungal propagules. Discoloration of the walls and other places are a primary indicator that mold remediation is needed. If the discoloration is in multiple places, it is of even more concern as the interstitial sides could be 10 to 100 times greater than what is visibly seen. Usually these circumstances signify there is mold growing in the house as a result of the previous damage, and this could be hazardous to the health of individuals living in the house.

A professional evaluation and laboratory analysis is needed to better ascertain the extent of the potential damage that may be lurking in your home or building.  Two key options include evalu-aire a professional DIY kit available at www.indoorairtest.com to sample both the air and surfaces of the building or to hire a professional environmental consulting firm that will look both at the ambient conditions of the structure, the HVAC system, interstitial wall cavities, evaluate the structure envelope, etc… to determine the cause of potential damage and provide a specific remedy for effective removal.

Environmental air, bulk, surface, and liquid samples may be collected from the flooded area for bacterial and mold analysis. Result would be helpful in determining the microbial propagation as well as in decision making for remedial measure, if any.  In the first phase, an economical Do It Yourself (DIY) method is appropriate to collect the samples for screening the microorganisms from the flooded environment.  These samples can be tested by using culture or non-culture based methods. If you have elevated levels, consult with an indoor environmental professional.

Water damage can be hazardous to your health if the proper, effective identification (Cat 1-3), professional analysis and remediation are not taken into effect.

You can contact the Building Scientists at Pure Air Control Services for a professional evaluation of your building or home at 1-800-422-7873 ext 802 or for the DIY evalu-aire contact Cy Garner at 1-800-422-7873 ext 404. DIY kits are available at www.INDOORAIRTEST.com, Grainger, Sears, Ferguson Supply, PE, and other fine retailers.

For laboratory analysis contact Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) an AHIA accredited laboratory and CDC Elite Laboratory at 1-800-422-7873 ext 301 for more information. 

About Pure Air Control Services:
Pure Air Control Services, Inc. was founded in 1984 as a small mechanical contracting firm today sets the industry standard for indoor environmental quality diagnosis and remediation.

Pure Air Control Services is a national provider of the following IAQ services: Building Sciences Evaluation; Building Health Check (USP 797 monitoring compliance); Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) an AIHA accredited micro laboratory (USP 797 Lab analysis); DIY IAQ Green Check test kits, Environmental Project Management; HVAC System Cleaning and Mold Remediation Services among other indoor environmental services.

Pure Air Control Services nationally performed IAQ services include: Building Sciences Evaluation; Building Health Check; an AIHA accredited Environmental Microbiology Laboratory; Environmental Project Management; and Duct Cleaning & Mold Remediation Services, among other indoor environmental services. The company’s expanding client roster includes the General Services Administration (GSA); Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Allstate Insurance; Carrier Air Conditioning; Naval Air Warfare Center, Orlando; and Naval Air Station - King's Bay, Georgia, and many other Fortune 500 companies, school boards, and city, state, and county governments, making Pure Air a reliable industry leader.

For more information, visit the company’s web site at www.pureaircontrols.com or contact Alan Wozniak or Cy Garner at 1-800-422-PURE (7873) ext 802 or 804 respectively.