Mold plays a vital role in the balance of the environment by breaking down and digesting organic material (plants, trees, leaves, etc..) That is molds one and only purpose.
When mold finds its way indoors it can become a huge problem. Unfortunately, the same enzymes that assist mold in breaking down dead, organic materials will do the same to the wood or wood bi-products in your home. Over time, this process will continue to weaken the integrity of the structure. If left unchecked, it will completely destroy a structure.
Mold is very indiscriminate. Wherever mold finds water or elevated moisture levels it will grow and cause damage. That could be your rafters, joists, studs, headers, walls, ceilings, flooring, carpets, baseboards, mahogany table, wedding pictures, koa bowls, roll-top desk, antique armoire or your favorite leather recliner.
Some types of mold release highly toxic "mycotoxins" which are bi-products released during the gestation process. These mycotoxins can cause adverse health complications for many people. The most talked about mold is "Black Mold" or “Toxic Mold.” Neither of these terms are a species or even a specific type of mold. Both of these terms are what media outlets have labeled mold growth which produces unhealthful “mycotoxins.” Those terms are far easier to remember and they are certainly more "catchy" than Toxigenic Fungi or Stachybotrys-Chartarum.
In short, mold should not be permitted to grow and multiply indoors. The tell-tale signs of mold are discoloration, fungal growth or damp, musty smells.
When you see or smell these conditions, you need to act immediately. Please do not attempt to wipe the mold away with bleach. Bleach will not kill the mold and you will likely spread the mold to other areas and make the problem worse. The "bleach" treatment is an old wives tale. All it actually does is give you bleach smelling mold which will soon reappear. Instead, call Hawaii Mold & Environmental Testing to schedule an appointment. Our certified mold inspectors are all mold specialists and they will conduct air and surface sampling which will determine exactly what type of mold you may have. We will find out if you have those so called "black mold" or "toxic mold" types and if your indoor air quality has been compromised. If so, we will author a protocol which is the guideline to properly remediate the problem.
Please remember that Mold Inspection and Testing should always be completed by a separate company from those who remediate (clean) the property. This protects your health and your money. Beware of those who offer free testing, especially if they are also going to bid and complete the remediation of the property. All they are actually doing is building the testing costs back into the bid for the remediation/restoration of your home. It is always best to have a neutral party who is on your side. This will protect you from unnecessary work, cost overruns and it also ensure that the job has been done properly.
Hawaii Mold and Environmental Testing only conducts inspection and testing. We do not offer any remediation or restoration services. In short, we are on your side, working for you and our only goal is to protect your health and safety.
Inhalation exposure to mold indoors can cause adverse health effects in some people. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Mold does not have to be alive to cause an allergic reaction. Spores that are dead or alive can cause allergic reactions. Individuals with pre-existing conditions may be more susceptible to the effects of indoor mold. Newborns, children, elderly people, individuals with respiratory conditions and weakened auto-immune systems may be more affected by exposure to indoor mold.
Limited or repetitive exposure to indoor mold may cause non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive to mold. Continuous exposure may lead to increased sensitivity. Health related concerns that have been reported due to mold exposure are headaches, sneezing, runny nose, post nasal drip and watery eyes. Mold can cause asthma attacks, acute bronchitis and other respiratory complications with individuals who have these conditions. Other reported symptoms are swollen sinus passages, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, skin irritation and shortness of breath.
Understanding the effects of mold is an evolving science and each year more resources are being put forth to better understand the ramifications of exposure to mold.
If you are concerned that your home, condominium, investment property, office or other structure has either has apparent mold growth or conditions that will lead to mold growth, it is imperative that you have a Certified Mold Inspector evaluate the building immediately to ensure the health and safety of all the occupants.
When it comes to eliminating a mold problem, the longer that you wait, the more costly it will be to solve. Mold is a growing concern that you cannot afford to ignore. Testing the structure is your first step toward a healthful and safe environment.
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Honomu is popular destination for visitors from around the world because of the awe inspiring Akaka Falls. The town of Honomu is a great experience with a variety of unique shops along its main street. Just a few miles South you can take the scenic route to Onomea Bay and the amazing botanical gardens. In short, it's a great place to do anything and everything. Living in Hawaii is a lifestyle second to none.
You may ask yourself, where is this going? Well, we have so many wonderful things to experience while living in Hawaii, we tend to overlook the few things that do not end up on your postcard home to family and friends.
That perfect weather that I spoke of a moment ago can also become a double edge sword. When you combine warm temperatures, abundant rainfall, high humidity, lush flora and fauna and lava based soil, it is the perfect environment for a very unwelcomed guest. MOLD!!! Yes, mold loves Hawaii as much as you do. It does not take a flood or a hurricane to cause your home, condo, apartment, favorite store, restaurant or workplace to be inundated with mold. A minimal amount of water leaking from a roof, pipe, faucet, toilet, refrigerator water line or a tiny bit of grout missing from your tub or shower is more than enough to enable mold to grow quickly. High humidity within a structure can also cause a mold problem without any of the other conditions. Mold is everywhere outdoors and that is not the issue. Unfortunately, when mold establishes a foothold indoors that's when the problems begin.