Monthly Archives: August 2016

Common Mold Types Found in Buildings and Condos

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Common Molds

Common Molds

Mold is generic term that covers more than just one type of mold found in buildings and condos. Each mold shares characteristics but the main types have certain identifiable features, all of which require NYC mold treatment.

Alternia

This is the most common type of mold and one of the biggest causes of allergic reactions. Alternia concentrations are highest in the summer when their spores come inside through dry winds.

Aspergillus

This mold is often found as the culprit of mold infestations in buildings. The spores of aspergillus are toxic and exist in higher quantities inside. This toxic mold can cause health issues in humans and animals.

Cladosporium

This mold thrives at nearly all temperatures, including extreme cold. It can be a major cause of asthma attacks.

Penicillium

This toxic mold has a colorful appearance that can be green, blue or yellow. This type of mold contains mycotoxins that humans developed into the beneficial antibiotic of penicillin.

Stachybotrys

Commonly called “black mold,” this type of mold is highly toxic and thrives on cotton, paper and wood. It dominates other types of mold that already have established colonies.

Many forms of mold are impossible to detect without professional assistance. Mold can live in the walls, floors and ceilings of a building without being seen. Even when you can’t see mold, it can cause health issues that require help from NYC mold treatment. Sometimes it can spread unseen for such a long period that it requires intensive treatment and removal. Protecting health and preserving building structures should be the top priority of every property owner.

NYC mold treatment from Stern Mold provides safe, effective mold removal solutions.

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

Mold 101 What You Need to Know for Your Family

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Keep Your Family Safe

Keep Your Family Safe

Toxic black mold can happen any place where a humidity factor of 70%, or greater, exists. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements and crawl spaces are prime areas where mold can occur, and they should be checked regularly for mold infestation.

Health Problems

The biggest issue with a mold invasion are the upper respiratory, and other health problems, it can cause from the spores that are present in the air. Wheezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes are just some of the complications when exposed to mold spores. However, if the mold comes into contact with skin or it has been accidently ingested, then a wealth of digestive conditions may happen including nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite and stomach cramps.

Mold Removal

There are no two ways about it. If you find mold in your house, home, apartment or other dwelling, it must be removed. Although there are many over-the-counter mold removal chemicals, washes and other treatments, the only sure way to get the mold out of your living space is through professional mold remediation. Getting it professionally removed assures you that the mold will be gone and that the health risk from toxic black mold will no longer effect yourself or your family.

The professionals at Stern Mold are NYC mold treatment experts to protect your household from black mold complications. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group and we will answer all of your questions or schedule a free mold inspection at no charge to you. For NYC mold treatment at its finest, count on Stern Mold. Serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island areas since 1995

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, News

Class Action Lawsuite Heats Up for NYC on Mold Remediation Woes

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Mold Issues

Mold Issues

Mold-related illnesses can have a seriously damaging effect on a person’s health and encompass a variety of physical ailments, including upper respiratory issues, digestion, muscle pain, brain fog and are a possible influence in a depression diagnosis.

NYC mold treatment companies are watching for news on a potential class action mold remediation lawsuit against the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) by the U.S.Attorney’s Office but so far, the Office hasn’t publicized any intention of bringing forth a lawsuit.

Mold Legal Issues

Currently, a report controversy exists regarding the reporting of a higher incidence of mildew reports and less of mold incidents by the NYCHA. Mildew does not cause the same amount of public concern as mold does, though it is still a fungi that can affect health if left untreated. Mold reports dropped dramatically in 2012 and have since stayed low, while mildew numbers that almost doubled in 2012 and tripled in 2013 have since continually climbed higher.

Another potential issue causing concern is the NYCHA’s involvement in a court-ordered settlement where a timetable set out for mold remediation and elimination may not be in compliance.

Progress Queens also has reported that Hurricane Sandy clean-up in housing developments has not been aggressively attacked by the NYCHA.

Mold and the Law

A Federal class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of the NYCHA tenants at the end of former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s term to make the NYCHA address the widely encompassing mold abatement that needed to take place.

Are you looking for NYC mold treatment information? For a free consultation and price quote on our bio remedial mold treatment, contact Stern Mold today.

 

Posted in Mold Law, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

Mold Testing Kits Are Available for Region’s Flood Victims

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Mold Flourishes in Damp Environments

Mold Flourishes in Damp Environments

Flooding in homes and buildings creates a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. In response to massive flooding in Midwestern states, organizations are providing free mold test kits to assess trouble spots.

Mold: A Common Result of Flooding

During the tail end of 2015, unusually severe storms resulted in swollen rivers that caused flooding in Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas. Iroquois County in northeast Illinois is one of the areas that was hit particularly hard.

Mold doesn’t appear immediately post-flooding. Instead, it may take hold in hidden spaces that stay damp for a long time. In July 2016, the Iroquois County Long-Term Recovery Committee announced that they will begin providing free mold test kits to homeowners who suspect a problem.

Moisture + Spores = Mold

Moisture is a necessary ingredient for mold growth. Mold spores are always present in the atmosphere, and it takes only one spore landing on a damp spot to start rapidly reproducing. Excessive humidity in areas like basements and bathrooms serves to hasten the process.

A lack of visual evidence doesn’t rule out the presence of mold. It can flourish inside cabinets, behind walls, under carpeting or in crawl spaces. Musty odors, rather than visual sightings, are frequently the first tip-off to a mold infestation.

Schedule Your Northern NJ or NYC Free Mold Inspection

Have you recently experienced flooding or leaks in your home? When it comes to mold, out of sight is not out of mind. Contact Stern Mold for your Northern NJ or NYC free mold inspection performed by our friendly, professionally trained technicians.

Posted in Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

Is it the Summer Flu or Blastomycosis? The CDC Explains

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Can't Shake The Sickness Off? You May Have This Mold-Induced Condition.

Can’t Shake The Sickness Off? You May Have This Mold-Induced Condition.

Have you been feeling down with a case of the flu that you just can’t seem to shake? What you’re experiencing may actually be blastomycosis, an infection caused by inhaling fungal spores.

What is Blastomycosis?

The illness gets its name from Blastomyces, a fungus found in the environment, especially around decomposing organic matter. Not everyone who is exposed will become infected, but onset of the illness is generally between three weeks and three months after the spores are inhaled.

Symptoms and Treatment

Diagnosis of blastomycosis is often not immediately apparent because the symptoms are similar to those of the flu. They include:

• Extreme fatigue

• Fever and/or night sweats

• Coughing and chest pain

• Aching muscles and sore joints

• Unexplained weight loss

Treatment with prescription medication takes anywhere from six months to one year, based on the severity of the infection. Pets are also susceptible to blastomycosis, but the infection is not contagious.

The real danger of this illness involves people with weakened immune systems. In such cases, blastomycosis can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, including the central nervous system.

If you suspect that you have blastomycosis, your doctor can order a test using a blood or urine sample. He may also order a CAT scan or chest x-ray to check your lungs.

Stern Mold Offers Northern NJ and NYC Free Mold Inspections

Blastomycosis is only one of the health problems that can arise from exposure to mold. Don’t wait until you or your loved ones get sick. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule your Northern NJ or NYC free mold inspection by our professionally trained technicians.

 

Posted in Mold & Your Health
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