Top Microbial Laboratory Announces the Addition of Materials Testing
Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Inc. (EMLab), leader in the field of microbial analysis, now provides materials testing, specializing in microbial challenge methodologies.
New technologies are being incorporated constantly into the manufacture of materials. In some instances these new technologies may inadvertently accelerate or promote the growth of microorganisms. Also, new technology products and materials are being formulated to inhibit or slow down the growth of microorganisms. Growth inhibiting products can be incorporated into the materials or used as a protective coating.
“Manufacturers and users of new materials and products require accurate and reliable testing to ascertain how well materials and products can resist the growth of microorganisms,” Says Mark Wallen, Operations Manager for EMLab.
The ASTM and other standardization organizations developed protocols to measure and quantify the amount and effects of microbial organisms on materials. EMLab is able to provide complete testing on materials following ASTM protocols. When a protocol is not applicable, EMLab can develop rigorous, scientifically sound protocols to assist clients in a wide variety of testing needs. A few examples of the ASTM protocols that EMLab is capable of performing are listed below.
“All building manufacturing and other materials exposed to moisture or environmental conditions have the potential to support microbial growth, specifically fungi, bacteria, algae and lichens,” says Dr. David Bell, President of EMLab. “The growth of microorganisms can have detrimental
effects on the materials including compromising the structural integrity, shortening the lifetime, potentially effecting public health and reducing or damaging the esthetic appearance.”
EMLab is accredited by the AIHA EMLAP and the California Department of Health Services ELAP programs, and is ISO/IEC 17025 compliant. EMLab’s analytical staff includes only degreed and highly trained analysts, the majority with advanced degrees. EMLab’s scientific staff is headed by Dr. Harriet Burge, the company’s Directory of Aerobiology and Chair of EMLab’s Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Burge is widely considered to be the leading expert in Indoor Air Quality and Mold Analysis, and has served as a member of three National Academy of Sciences committees.
EMLab’s ASTM TESTING PROTOCOL CAPABILITIES:
- ASTM 21, Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Materials to Fungi
- ASTM G21, Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials to Fungi
- ASTM C1338 00, Standard Method for Determining Fungi Resistance of Insulation Materials and Facings
- ASTM D2020, Standard Test Methods for Mildew (Fungus) Resistance of Paper and Paperboard
- ASTM D3273, Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber
- ASTM D3274, Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Surface Disfigurement of Paint Films by Microbial (Fungal or Algal) Growth or Soil and Dirt Accumulation
- ASTM D4300, Standard Test Methods for Ability of Adhesive Films to Support the Growth or Resist the Growth of Fungi
- ASTM D4610, Standard Guide for Determining the Presence of and Removing Microbial (Fungal or Algal) Growth on Paint and Related Coatings
- ASTM D6329, Standard Guide for Developing Methodology for Evaluating the Ability of Indoor Materials to Support Microbial Growth Using Static Environmental Chambers to support microbial growth using static environmental chambers
You can expect the same commitment to quality and accuracy in materials testing that you have come to expect from EMLab in traditional microbial analysis. With over 30 years experience in mold testing and bioaerosols analysis, EMLab helped pioneer today’s indoor air quality industry. Today, EMLab remains dedicated to the success of its clients and it’s mission of being the benchmark for analytical quality, service and testing in the industry.
Further information is available on the company’s web site at http://www.EMLab.com or by calling 866-888-6653 (MOLD). Please feel free to contact the laboratory to answer any questions, inquire about testing, following a protocol not listed or for assistance in choosing a proper method for materials testing.
