Monthly Archives: March 2016

Fourth Patient Exposed to Mold in Pittsburgh Dies

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A fourth University of Pittsburgh Medical Center patient has died after contracting a fungal infection during a mold outbreak at the western Pennsylvania hospital. What caused the mold and fungus?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified a “negative pressure” room that was normally reserved for patients who already had infections as the likely source of the fungus. The rooms are designed to draw outside air in, but prevent air inside harboring potentially contagious disease from spreading to other patients. UPMC suspended the program September 21, 2015, but resumed it around a week later after reviewing procedures and treatments. UPMC spokeswoman Allison Hydzik stated the hospital wanted to “reassure our patients that we have taken every possible precaution to make our hospitals as safe as is humanly possible and have followed all recommendations made by federal and state regulators.”

Che DuVall, the 70-year-old retired glass cutter who passed away, was diagnosed with the infection in September a month after his double lung transplant. DuVall and other patients who died from the fungal infection were housed in the same room. He and his wife filed a lawsuit against UPMC alleging he was recklessly housed in a room that made him more susceptible to infection, which resulted in the removal of part of his new lungs.

UPMC declined to comment on the lawsuit, maintaining the deaths cannot be attributed to mold as transplant patients have weakened immune systems, increasing their risk of picking up infections that those who are otherwise healthy can routinely fight off.

Don’t let mold and fungus effect your health. Get rid of mold quickly and easily. Contact Stern Mold today.

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

Mold Puts a Damper on Holiday Cheer

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Even holiday cheer is no match for a mold infestation. In mid-February, the Consumer Product and Safety Commission issued a recall of certain seasonal products under the Ashland label when they were found to have Aspergillus mold.

National chain reacts to moldy products

The affected products included artificial poinsettias, cardboard holiday boxes and holiday wreaths. They were all found at Michaels, a national chain that sells craft and art supplies. According to a statement from Michaels’ corporate office, the company discovered the mold through their own testing and reported the problem to the CPSC. A full refund was offered to purchasers, with or without a receipt.

Possible risks of mold-affected products

Aspergillus is one of the more common forms of mold. Its presence can be a serious health risk for people with allergies or compromised immune systems. Mold is found everywhere, and it’s harmless in small quantities. However, since mold can multiply rapidly, it’s best to dispose of affected products immediately to avoid cross-contamination.

While there are thousands of types of mold, one thing they all have in common is the need for moisture. Environmental health specialist Todd Seib says regardless of the species, it’s important to limit exposure by venting your bathroom and keeping humidity below 60 percent. Without proper ventilation, mold can appear within 72 hours.

A specialist interviewed about the Michaels situation stated that mold treatment through remediation can take one week to several months. Our proprietary mold treatment process is usually completed within one day, resulting in little to no disruption in your daily activities. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule your free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Remediation, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

Tenants Know Your Rights When It Comes to a Mold Problem

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Landlord-tenant relationships, and the court cases tied to their management, are nothing new. Following evictions, do you know what the second most common cause for court cases is? Complaints about neglected repairs, including mold treatment.

What should I do if I have a mold problem?
Your landlord is required to keep your home in fit and habitable condition, and mold problems could affect your family’s health and safety. Verbal reminders won’t cut it. Notify your landlord in writing documenting what needs to be fixed (roof leak, plumbing, etc.), keeping copies and proof of mailing as documentation you requested the repairs. Advise your landlord you will move from the property if the repairs aren’t made within a timely manner (i.e. starting repairs within 14 days), and finished within a reasonable amount of time.

Pursuing legal options
For those with extensive written documentation who have doggedly pursued mold treatment from landlords to no avail, filing a case with your local legal justice center may be of help – provided area law and your lease specifically stipulate the landlord as liable. Keep in mind, however, court costs are on the renter and decision in the hands of the judge, leaving your best outcomes reimbursement for damaged items, cleanup you contracted, or a lease broken without penalty and return of your security deposit.

Moving to escape mold
Many people become frustrated, simply moving to avoid moldy conditions. Unfortunately, without deep cleaning to affected furniture and upholstery, mold is moving with you.

Tired of living with mold in your rental home? Stern mold can help, offering free mold testing and affordable mold treatment options – without ripping out your walls. Contact Stern to learn more today.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, MoldExterm

NASA Space Launch is Grounded by Mold

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Mold from warehouse impacts NASA.

Mold from warehouse impacts NASA.

When it comes to mold, even billion-dollar government agencies are vulnerable to its dangers. NASA was forced to delay the March 10 launch of a supply shipment when mold treatment was required for its cargo.

Mold in outer space?

An unmanned Orbital ATK Cygnus craft was scheduled to leave Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying the next load of supplies to the International Space Station. The launch was put on hold after a routine inspection at Kennedy Space Center discovered a substance growing on two of the fabric cargo bags.

Subsequent microbial analysis revealed that the substance was black mold. NASA decided to take the precaution of unpacking and disinfecting all the cargo. This marks the first time that mold has interfered with an ISS supply shipment.

NASA’s mold safety precautions

According to NASA spokesperson Dan Huot, the agency performs regular inspections and disinfects cargo bags to provide “a safe environment for the crew members.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that mold can cause allergic reactions ranging from stuffiness and wheezing to fever and shortness of breath.

Although earlier inspections showed that the Cygnus’s pressurized module was clean, Huot stated that an investigation is being conducted to determine the source of the mold. Officials are now aiming for a March 22 launch.

Don’t let a mold infestation bring activities at your home or business to a screeching halt. Our effective and eco-friendly mold treatment is usually completed in one day, creating minimum disruption to your daily routine. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment