This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Neighbor News

Building Performance Solutions Urges Homeowners to Prioritize Bacteria

Bacteria Testing After Floods is Important to Your Health

Anthony Lenard, Owner & Mold Assessor of Building Performance Solutions
Anthony Lenard, Owner & Mold Assessor of Building Performance Solutions

SARASOTA, FL – Building Performance Solutions (BPS), a leading provider of environmental testing and remediation services in Southwest Florida, is emphasizing the importance of bacteria testing following flood events. Floods can introduce dangerous contaminants into homes, posing significant health risks and long-term damage. BPS urges homeowners to take proactive steps to safeguard their health and property by conducting thorough bacteria testing after any flooding event.

“Flooding is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a serious health hazard,” says Anthony Lenard, owner and mold assessor for Building Performance Solutions. “When floodwaters invade a home, they bring with them a host of contaminants, including harmful bacteria that can infiltrate building materials and create ongoing health risks. Bacteria testing is a crucial step in identifying these hidden threats and ensuring that your home is safe.”

Understanding the Importance of Bacteria Testing After Floods

Find out what's happening in Sarasotawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Floodwater often carries contaminants such as raw sewage, industrial chemicals, and hazardous waste, which can introduce bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae into the home. These bacteria can cause serious health issues, including gastrointestinal infections, respiratory problems, and skin infections. For vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, the risks are even higher.

“Bacteria from floodwaters can settle into your home’s structure, embedding in drywall, insulation, and wood,” Lenard explains. “Without proper testing, these bacteria can go unnoticed and untreated, leading to long-term health problems for the occupants. Our goal at BPS is to ensure that these contaminants are detected and properly remediated so homeowners can rebuild safely.”

Find out what's happening in Sarasotawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Key Reasons for Bacteria Testing:

  • Identifying Hidden Contamination: Floodwaters often carry harmful bacteria that can infiltrate your home’s structure, making testing essential to uncover and address these dangers.
  • Preventing Long-Term Health Risks: Early detection of bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella helps prevent potential outbreaks and protects the health of all occupants.
  • Ensuring Effective Remediation: Bacteria testing provides crucial data for determining the appropriate steps for cleanup and restoration, ensuring no residual contaminants are left behind.
  • Protecting Your Property: By understanding the extent of contamination, homeowners can make informed decisions about repairs and replacements, preventing further damage and costly repairs.
  • Supporting Insurance and Legal Claims: Documentation from bacteria testing is vital for insurance claims and legal actions, ensuring fair compensation and support for flood-related damages.
  • Providing Peace of Mind: Thorough testing and remediation give homeowners confidence that their living environment is safe and healthy, allowing them to focus on recovery without lingering fears.

“After a flood, it’s natural to want to start cleaning up right away,” says Lenard. “But without bacteria testing, you risk missing contaminants that could continue to harm your health and your home. Investing in testing now pays off in peace of mind and long-term safety.”

Building Performance Solutions is committed to helping homeowners protect their health and property by offering comprehensive bacteria testing and remediation services. By identifying and addressing bacterial contamination, homeowners can restore their homes to safe, healthy environments.

For more information on bacteria testing and other services provided by Building Performance Solutions, please visit www.buildingperformancesolution.com

PHOTO ID: Anthony Lenard, president of Building Performance Solutions.

ABOUT BUILDING PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS (BPS)

Building Performance Solutions strictly adheres to Florida Statutes /2010/468.8419. Simply put, this means that we engage in the inspection, testing, and consultation surrounding mold testing, recommending necessary repairs and assisting in planning these repairs only. This eliminates any conflict of interest and ensures that our clients receive the benefits of an unbiased, impartial, and completely professional service provided by a company with no direct financial interest in any mold remediation to properties that we have inspected.

Florida State HVAC License CAC 1817725

Florida State Licensed Mold Assessor MRSA 3194

National Organization of Remediators & Mold Inspectors (NORMI)

Certified Mold Assessor CMA

Certified IAQ Specialist CIS

Certified Mold Inspector CMI

Certified Mold Remediator CMR

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Certification (CIRS)

Certified Protocol Writer CPW

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC)

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?