Floods bring more than just
mold concerns, beware of bacteria
As parts of the Midwest and East Coast were recently hit with floods,
concerns over mold growth and contamination have been on the minds of many
flood victims. However, a recent case in Cumberland County, New Jersey
recently brought to light that mold is not the only concern after a flood.
The Cumberland County Courthouse in Bridgeton, New Jersey was recently
flooded after torrential rainfall. Samples taken shortly after the flood
water receded came back positive for E. coli and fecal coliforms. Both of
these types of bacteria are commonly associated with human sewage and
animal waste and likely came into the courthouse with the flood waters.
E. coli can make individuals extremely sick and certain types may even
cause death while fecal coliforms are used as an indicator that additional
pathogens may be present. Other waterborne diseases commonly associated
with fecal contamination include dysentery, hepatitis A and other
dangerous diseases.
In March of this year a new test to determine the presence of fecal or
sewage contamination was introduced by EMSL Analytical. EMSL Analytical is
one of the nation’s largest environmental testing laboratories and this
new method was based upon research conducted for the EPA for total
Bacteroides.
“EMSL has always been on the forefront of offering the latest testing
solutions,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing for
EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Flood victims need to be aware of contaminants such
as bacteria and chemicals after a flood in addition to concerns over mold
growth,” he continued.
The new test can be performed on numerous matrices and results can be
obtained in a matter of hours, not days.