Here in Hawaii, mold is a fact of life. But recently, mold has made front page headlines, locally and nationally. Mold prevention, mold control, and mold remediation are the hot topics of conversations, workshops, conferences, and newsletters!

Molds produce tiny spores for reproduction. Spores continually waft through the indoor and outdoor air. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin to grow and digest whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Molds have the ability to grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods and almost any other organic matter. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. The solution to controlling indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

BASIC MOLD CLEANUP

It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold becomes a problem clean it up as quickly as possible and get rid of excess moisture. Fix leaky plumbing, roof leaks or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles, drywall and carpet) that have become moldy need to be replaced.

TEN THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MOLD

1. Potential health effects and symptoms of mold exposure may include allergic reaction, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.

2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores. The best way to inhibit indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

3. If mold is a problem, you must clean up the mold and eliminate any sources of moisture.

4. Fix all plumbing leaks, rook leaks and other sources of water.

5. Reduce indoor humidity (30% - 60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources; using air conditioners and dehumidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans in the kitchen areas.

6. Clean and dry any wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours.

7. Clean mold off of hard surfaces with water and detergent and dry thoroughly. Replace any materials that cannot be cleaned.

8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces by adding insulation.

9. In areas where there are constant moisture problems (near drinking fountains, toilets, sinks, concrete floors with leaks), do not install carpeting.

10. Mold can be found almost anywhere and they can grow on virtually anything including wood, paper, carpet, books, etc.

HOMES AND MOLDS

Moisture control is the key to mold control. Water in your home can come from many sources. It can enter your home by leaking or seeping through walls and floors, and even showering and cooking can add moisture to the air. The amount of moisture the air can hold is dependent upon the temperature. As the temperature decreases, the air becomes less able to hold moisture, which is why in cold weather condensation occurs on cold surfaces.

Ways to control moisture in your home:

-Fix leaks and seepage
-Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces and make sure they are well ventilated
-Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens
-Turn off humidifiers and heaters if you notice condensation on windows and other surfaces
-Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates. Be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants.
-Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows.
-Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors.

If you need further information or help in dealing with a mold problem, please contact Mr. Jeff Eckerd at (808)586-5800 or the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearing-house at (800)438-4318.

Links:

www.epa.gov/iaq
www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/
www.ie.dtu.dk/isiaq/
www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html
www.cal-iaq.org/