Monthly Archives: October 2015

Mold: What Every Home Owner Fears

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With the apparent prevalence of news stories about infested homes, it seems appropriate that “mold” is a four-letter word. Just the mention of it can send shivers down a homeowner’s spine. But is mold really something that should inspire such fear?

The truth is that mold is nothing new. Advice about mold treatment can even be found in the Biblical book of Leviticus. While it seems as though the problem has grown, experts say it’s simply that there’s more awareness of it today.

Nelson Barnes Jr., a mold treatment expert in the Washington, DC area, explains that mold is a plant that poses no threat as long as you don’t touch or eat it. The danger arises from inhaling the spores that begin circulating in the air, causing respiratory problems ranging from coughing and sneezing to asthma attacks.

Mold spores are present everywhere, according to Rob Hopkin of ProTec Inspection Services. Issues stem from a concentration of spores that is greater indoors than outside. From there it takes only food, water and the right temperature for mold to multiply.

Households generally have the right mix of food and temperature to promote mold growth, leaving moisture as the ingredient that is easiest to control. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a major event like a burst pipe to grow mold. All it takes is a relative humidity level above 60 percent.

Unlike traditional remediation, our proprietary MoldExterm method controls moisture and spore transmission, the two biggest factors in mold reproduction. Visit our website to learn more about why Stern Mold is the leader in quick and effective mold treatment.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, News

Can You Live in a House with Mold?

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So you’ve discovered a patch of mold in your house and you’re unsure about what to do next. Do you and your family need to leave, or can you proceed as normal while dealing with the situation? The answer can depend on the effects of the mold as well as the method of mold treatment.

The nature of mold

While the presence of mold is off-putting, the substance plays an important role in the cycle of nature by decomposing dead organic materials such as wood. When mold develops indoors, it can cause damage by acting on porous materials like drywall and carpeting. Indoor mold is a sign of a leak or other water problem that must be addressed.

Health effects of mold

Mold spores are a major allergen that causes upper respiratory distress ranging from coughing and sneezing to sore, itchy eyes. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Consult your physician if you suspect that you or a family member are exhibiting symptoms related to mold exposure.

Treatment or remediation?

It may not be physically necessary to leave your home during remediation, but the disruption could cause you to seek other quarters. Remediation often involves pulling out furniture and building surfaces affected by mold, and the lengthy process can take days or even weeks.

Our proprietary MoldExterm treatment is usually completed within one day and works proactively to prevent future reoccurrence. Contact us to schedule an appointment and let our mold treatment experts handle the problem safely and effectively with little disruption to your household.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

The Myths and Facts About Mold

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Most people feel the same way about mold that they do about spiders. When they see either, they are terrified. They know some species are harmful and some are not, but are not sure how to identify them. Also, if it is out of sight, it is out of mind. Here is a reminder that you should have a free inspection and mold treatment consultation of your home and business, along with some facts about a couple of myths associated with mold.

Common myths about mold

Myth – Only black mold is dangerous: Of the over 100,000 different species of mold, about 60 are known to be harmful to people’s health. The spores are especially bad for people with asthma, a compromised immune system, and the elderly. Black mold (stachybotrys chartarum) typically develops on existing mold colonies. It grows slowly and has heavier spores than most mold species. It can only be identified by trained professionals and is certainly not the only harmful mold type.

Myth – Bleach will kill mold: The bleach purchased over the counter is typically just 6 percent sodium hypochlorite and the remaining 94 percent is water. Applying it to mold temporarily removes the mold, but when the chlorine evaporates, the mold comes back and feeds on the water to spread again. Proper mold treatment requires trained professionals to eliminate the mold and replace contaminated material.

Be proactive about protecting your family, workers, and customers from the possible health risks of mold spores. The technicians of Stern Mold have experience with all types of mold and can provide a safe, cost-efficient and effective mold treatment of your home or business. Contact us today.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Treatment, News

What Are the Impacts of Hidden Mold?

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Mold Anatomy

Hidden Mold

As we get older, we become accustomed to aches and being more frail. Feeling run down and having unexplained flu-like symptoms is often endured and ignored. The same often applies to people with asthma or who are highly sensitive to allergies. Many people suffering from mysterious illnesses do not realize they really need a mold treatment of their home or business.

A toxin in many homes

ABC News tells the story of 5-year-old Caitlin Murray. She suffered for three years with terrible headaches and swelling on her face. The doctors tested her for leukemia, cystic fibrosis, and many other diseases without being able to identify the true cause of her illness. Only when she and her family left their Pennington, New Jersey home did Caitlin’s condition begin to improve. Jill Murray of the Children’s Hospital Philadelphia diagnostic center found large amounts of mold in the crawlspace.

One in three persons affected

According to Dr. David Zhang, who is a biologist with New York’s Mt. Sinai Medical Center, 50 of the over 100,000 different mold species are toxic. Also, one out of every three people are allergic to mold. And exposure to mold spores can trigger life-threatening problems for children, the elderly, people with asthma, and anyone with a compromised immune system. Mold not only damages the physical health of home owners and occupants, it can lower a home’s value and make it difficult to sell.

One of the most potentially harmful issues you may have in your home or business can be easily addressed and corrected. Call the experienced professionals at Stern Mold for a free inspection and mold treatment consultation today.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News