Indoor Mold an All Too Common Issue in Hawaii Weeks after Hurricane

When Hurricane Lane passed by the Hawaiian Islands in August, the area was fortunate to not take a direct hit. Even with that being the case, some areas received record rainfall. In fact, over 52 inches of rain was recorded in one area according to the National Weather Service.

During the storm, many people lost power to their homes, businesses and schools as strong winds, heavy rain and widespread flooding inundated some areas. After the hurricane, residents and business owners were warned to be on the lookout for potential indoor environmental exposure concerns and potentially serious health and safety issues in storm damaged properties.

Many of the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) problems following hurricane damage are associated with flooding and water damage. Floods and storm surges can introduce pathogenic bacteria and potentially harmful chemicals into a building. Even relatively clean water damage from a leaking roof or siding will support the growth of mold in less than 48 hours on most materials if they remain wet.

The process of cleaning up, repairing and rebuilding some damaged properties also comes with unique exposure concerns. This is due to materials such as lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials that may be present. If they are not first identified, so the proper safety protocols can be put in place to not create dust hazards, they could pose a risk to anyone in the home or building.

“Hurricane Lane left behind millions of dollars in damage for the residents of Hawaii,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Now, two months after the hurricane caused all the initial damage, indoor air quality issues due to mold growth in water damaged homes and buildings is all too common. At EMSL Analytical, our laboratories are busy helping residents identify issues associated with mold, bacteria, chemicals, lead, asbestos and other potential exposure concerns. We offer comprehensive testing services, all of the sampling supplies needed, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments, and even a wide range of respirators and other personal protective equipment. Understanding what exposure concerns may be present is important for protecting building occupants now and in the future.” 

To learn more about indoor environmental quality testing of damaged properties or other indoor air quality, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail