Monthly Archives: October 2016

Mold Treatment Tips for Renters

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Finding Mold in Your Rental Home

Finding Mold in Your Rental Home

Mold can easily go unnoticed in your New York apartment or house. It can grow under carpet, inside the walls, or in the ceiling. Mold can cause serious health problems for many people. Unlike smoke or a natural gas leak, the presence of mold is not always obvious and there are no alarms to detect the existence of mold spores in the air. If you or any member of your household are experiencing persistent allergy symptoms, your apartment may need mold treatment.

Signs of mold

Mold needs moisture to grow. If you see water spots on the walls, ceiling or floor, that’s an opportunity for mold. Cracked or peeling paint and wallpaper that is separating from the wall can also indicate water damage. Mold may look like a mysterious dirty spot in the corner of a room or soot stain around an HVAC register. As mentioned previously, mold can grow inside walls or in the ceiling without giving any visual indication of its presence. If you notice a musty smell in one area of your residence, further investigation may be necessary.

Speak to your landlord

You should report any water leaks, moisture problems, or signs of mold to your property manager immediately. Mold is a serious issue that does not go away on its own. By catching a mold problem early, you will likely save them money on mold treatment costs. The New York State Department of Health recommends you contact your local building department or code enforcement official if your landlord fails to address the problem.

Building owners can contact Stern Mold for a free mold consultation in Northern NJ and NYC.

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

Mold in the Workplace – Rights and Responsibilities

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Mold Can Cause Sickness and Allergic Reactions. Keep Your Staff at Their Best by Being Mold Free!

Mold Can Cause Sickness and Allergic Reactions. Keep Your Staff at Their Best by Being Mold Free!

Residential mold problems have been the subject of many news stories, but commercial buildings are not immune to the risk of infestation either. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) counts mold as a health and safety risk in the workplace along with asbestos, toxic metals and other dangers.

Combating Mold in the Workplace

OSHA is charged with enforcing the government statutes requiring companies to maintain “safe and healthful workplaces” for their employees. Mold is found naturally in the environment, so there are currently no standards in place for maximum acceptable levels, but it is considered a recognized health risk.

Mold feeds on organic matter, which presents an indirect risk. It can eat away at building materials and cause structural damage, compromising the safety of employees.

Water is the key element for mold growth, so businesses with kitchens and areas with excessive dampness are likely candidates for infestations. HVAC systems and plumbing should also be inspected regularly for signs of leaks and other damage.

Mold Treatment Guidelines

OSHA’s guidelines include recommendations for effective mold treatment:

• Mold removal professionals should be consulted before starting any course of action.

• Surfaces should be lightly misted beforehand to suppress dust.

• Cleanup workers should use personal protection equipment such as gloves, goggles and masks.

Effective Mold Treatment for Commercial and Residential Buildings

Stern Mold provides thorough and efficient mold removal services for home and business owners in NYC, Long Island and northern NJ. Visit our website for more information about our eco-friendly, non-intrusive MoldExterm system and find out how you can schedule a free mold inspection for your building.

 

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

St. Albans HS in WV Fights Mold Problems Right Before School Starts

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Mold Can Infect Schools Too.

Mold Can Infect Schools Too.

The growth of mold and fungus inside homes and other buildings can lead to a variety of health issues. That’s why it’s important to have these growths removed as soon as possible. One high school in West Virginia recently battled a mold problem that could have delayed the start of the school year.

Discovery

St. Albans High School dealt with a mold issue in early August thanks to an air conditioning unit that failed to work properly. Officials believe a sprinkler system that was used to keep the school cool might have caused the mold issue. Crews started treating the school right away so they could ensure that it would be safe before the school year started.

More Problems

However, mold was discovered about a week later in the school’s band room. Students weren’t allowed in that room until it was treated for mold. The school also had a problem with standing water in the basement, which could have contributed to the mold problem.

Mold in Your Home?

The mold and fungus issues at St. Albans High School call attention to the importance of having similar infestations cleared out of your home. Keep in mind that colonies can grow inside your walls where they’re harder to detect. If you notice an unpleasant odor or other signs of mold and fungus, such as health issues that only seem to get worse at home, it’s crucial to have an inspection done as soon as possible.

Don’t let mold and fungus affect your health. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection of your home.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information

Mold, It’s All About Awareness First

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Mold Can Effect Your Home and In Turn, YOU, In Many Different Ways. Be on the Lookout!

Mold Can Effect Your Home and In Turn, YOU, In Many Different Ways. Be on the Lookout!

Having mold eliminated from your home is crucial in order to reduce the risk of health issues, but how do you even know if you have mold? There are a number of signs you should be aware of that could indicate mold growth in your home. If any of the following signs sound familiar, it’s time to look into mold treatment options.

Odors

Mold gives off an unpleasant odor that’s easy to detect. Keep in mind that it’s possible to smell mold without actually seeing any colonies since it can grow inside the walls of your home.

Allergies

If you’ve experienced symptoms of allergic reactions, such as sneezing and watery eyes, mold could be the culprit. Mold can cause respiratory problems as well, including coughing and trouble breathing. You’re more likely to have a mold allergy than an allergy to outdoor allergens if you notice that you feel worse when you’re inside your home and better when you’re away from it.

Visible Mold

One of the easiest ways to tell if you have a mold problem is by seeing their colonies growing in your home. Mold can have a variety of appearances, such as black spots, white threads and grayish clumps.

Water Damage

Leaks inside your home can cause water damage and create a damp, humid environment that mold thrives in. Signs of water damage include spots or stains on your ceilings or walls, bubbling paint or wallpaper, and bulging walls.

If you’ve noticed signs of mold in your home, contact Stern Mold. We provide mold treatment in NYC, NJ and Long Island.

Posted in Mold Information
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