Monthly Archives: August 2016

Mold and Depression – There May be a Link

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Mold and Depression

Mold and Depression

Sometimes symptoms of depression can surface and they seem to coincide with various life events. Perhaps you move into a new home, begin a new job, or spend a great deal of time in a different area during the day. Then suddenly you start to feel pretty down. It turns out that there may also be a link between mold and depression.

Understanding Sick Building Syndrome

Sick building syndrome is a term that refers to what happens when you breathe in mold spores in poorly ventilated areas. Architecture has come a long way in recent years, but the most up-to-date designs of today are careful to seal off any cracks or holes that could allow pests and allergens to enter the buildings. This is true both for homes and for commercial buildings. The problem is that nothing can get out either, which leads to conditions favorable to the growth of mold and bacteria.

Have You Been Exposed to Mold?

If you think you’ve been exposed to mold, there’s no need to worry. Even though there’s a strong link between mold and depression, you can do a lot to combat it. You can:

• Get a NYC mold inspection done to determine whether or not you have a mold problem.

• Purchase a high quality air purifier to filter the air in your home or office.

• Take anti-fungal supplements to help combat allergy symptoms.

• Start taking a high quality probiotic to help your body build good bacteria and kill off the bad bacteria.

• Consider talking with your doctor about medication to help with depression symptoms.

If you think you’ve been exposed to mold, we can help! Contact us!

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News

The CDC Weighs in on the Problem with Mold

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CDC Weighs in on Mold

CDC Weighs in on Mold

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the preeminent organization in the United States devoted to protecting the nation from health and safety risks. Mold is considered such a serious threat that they have devoted an entire section of their website to facts and prevention tips.

Here is some of the helpful information CDC provides about the problem of mold and its impact on your health:

• Mold can be found everywhere. Thousands of species are present both indoors and outdoors, primarily in warm and damp locations, although spores can survive inhospitable conditions.

• Moisture is the primary culprit behind indoor mold. You can reduce the risk of mold infestation by controlling humidity, repairing leaks promptly and keeping damp areas well-ventilated.

• Exposure to mold can trigger upper-respiratory allergic reactions, although you don’t have to specifically suffer from allergies to experience health problems. Symptoms include nasal congestion, coughing and wheezing, and sore throat.

• While Stern Mold offers northern NJ and NYC free mold inspections, it’s not necessary or even recommended to identify the particular species. Any type of mold can present a health risk, so it should always be removed promptly.

• If you suspect mold exposure, consult your primary care physician immediately. He will determine your best course of action, which may include referral to a specialist.

Stern Mold Provides Effective, Eco-Friendly Mold Removal and Prevention

Safeguard the good health of yourself and your family. Schedule your northern NJ or NYC free mold inspection by our experienced and trained technicians. Have more questions? Visit our Mold Information Center to learn more.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

Are You Allergic to Your Bed? Find Out Why.

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Could Your Bed Be Making You Sick?

Could Your Bed Be Making You Sick?

If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms without finding any specific causes, you may want to blame your bed. People spend a third of their lives in bed, so it makes sense to ensure that it’s free of any of the following contaminants.

While you probably won’t see any of these contaminants (bacteria, fungi and allergens), they are there and while you sleep you’re contaminating your bed and breathing them into your lungs.

Mold and Fungi Spores

While mold and fungi are usually too small to see with the naked eye, studies have shown that they are often found in beds. Even minute amounts can cause a reaction so wash your bed sheets in hot water once a week. A NYC mold treatment may be necessary to alleviate allergy symptoms.

Dust Mite Droppings

While you might not be allergic to dust mites, you might be allergic to dust mite poop. Dust mites are found in four out of five homes in the United States, which means that they could very well be in your bed. Again, clean bed sheets will reduce this problem.

Sweat

Familiar with sweating in bed? It’s something that everybody does. If you’re sick, you can transmit strep or staph infection of the skin if allowed to build up.

Pet Droppings

Your pet may be the apple of your eye, but its urine, dander or saliva could be causing an allergy flare-up.

Clean, dry bed sheets are key to healthy living, but when it comes to mold and your health, don’t take any chances. Contact Stern Mold today to discuss your NYC mold treatment options and schedule a free inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, News

Aspergillosis – a Lung Infection Caused by Exposure to Mold

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Lungs And Mold

Lungs And Mold

Inhaling mold spores on a regular basis can irritate your throat and nasal passages, causing allergic reactions such as sneezing and coughing. A more serious threat lurks for people who have low resistance or pre-existing lung conditions.

Aspergillosis: When Mold Turns Infectious

Aspergillus is one of the more common types of mold, occurring frequently both indoors and outdoors. Chances are you inhale Aspergillus spores on a daily basis with little or no adverse effects.

However, individuals with weakened immune systems or who have a lung disease are at risk of developing aspergillosis, which is an infection resulting from exposure to Aspergillus spores.

Types of Aspergillosis

There are more than 180 identified species of Aspergillus, but fewer than 40 of them cause infection. Different forms of aspergillosis include:

• Allergic bronchopulmonary and allergic sinustis cause inflammation that triggers allergic reactions but no infection.

• Aspergilloma, or “fungus ball,” is a ball of Aspergillus mold that grows in the lungs and sinuses.

• Chronic pulmonary causes cavities in the lungs, and may occur in conjunction with aspergilloma.

• Invasive is an infectious form that usually affects the lungs, although it can spread to other parts of the body.

• Cutaneous develops when Aspergillus spores enter the body via the skin, such as through a cut or wound.

Live in Northern NJ or NYC? Schedule your Free Mold Inspection from Stern Mold.

If you suspect a mold infestation in your home, it should be treated immediately regardless of the type of fungus. Contact us today to schedule your free mold inspection by our professionally trained technicians. We can deal with mold infestation quickly and effectively using our eco-friendly MoldExterm process.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News

What Illnesses are Linked to a Mold Problem?

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Prevent These Symptoms Now!

Prevent These Symptoms Now!

By now there is a sizable body of evidence about the connection between mold and illness, but do you know what symptoms to watch for? If you or members of your family begin experiencing these signs, consult your primary care physician about a possible mold-related illness.

Upper Respiratory Problems

Since mold spores are inhaled, they most commonly trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing and itchy, runny eyes. Even people who don’t normally suffer from allergies can have these reactions from excessive exposure to mold. Individuals with immune deficiencies or pre-existing lung conditions can develop more serious issues such as asthma or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Unexplained Muscle Pain

Muscle cramps and so-called “pin-prick” pains, in the absence of vigorous physical activity, sometimes occur after contact with mold.

Depression

Researchers have discovered a link between damp, moldy living quarters and depression. At least part of the cause is attributed to the reality of poor living conditions and lack of control over the surroundings.

Digestive Troubles

Exposure to mold can affect your digestive system, resulting in nausea, diarrhea or stomach cramps. Unexplained weight gain can also be a sign of a mold-related illness.

Numbness in Extremities

After contact with mold, some people experience the pins-and-needles sensation identified with numbness in their hands and feet.

Contact Stern Mold for Northern NJ and NYC Mold Treatment

Elimination and prevention of mold are the best methods to avoid health-related problems. Our proprietary MoldExterm system provides effective northern NJ and NYC mold treatment, including application of an eco-friendly barrier that guards against future reoccurrence. Contact us today to schedule your free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment
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