Stern Mold

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.