Monthly Archives: November 2016

Mold Outbreak Death Lawsuit in Pennsylvania Settled for Over $1 Million

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Mold Isn't Just In Old Buildings, Find Out if You're Safe Before It's Too Late.

Mold Isn’t Just In Old Buildings, Find Out if You’re Safe Before It’s Too Late.

Do you believe that interior mold and fungus is found only in old, dirty buildings? The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) recently settled the second lawsuit to arise as the result of a mold outbreak dating back to 2014.

A Disturbing Pattern

Shelby Slagle, a 27-year-old woman from Groveport, OH, had a heart transplant at UPMC, but died in June 2015. This past September, the hospital paid $1.35 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Slagle’s widower.

This judgment came shortly after another lawsuit that settled for the same amount in May 2016. The family of 47-year-old Tracy Fischer of Erie, PA, filed suit following Fischer’s death in October 2014 after developing a fungal infection.

During the period between 2014 and July 2016, three other UPMC transplant patients died as a result of mold infections. All five spent time in a “negative pressure”‘ room, prompting a federal investigation of these cases.

Could These Deaths Have Been Prevented?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), negative pressure rooms are intended to house patients who have a pre-existing infection. The ventilation system is designed to pull outside air into the room, reducing the possibility of infections spreading throughout the hospital but increasing the chance of infections in transplant patients who are taking drugs to suppress their immune systems.

Protect Your Family with Expert Mold Treatment from Stern Mold

When it comes to mold treatment, there is no wait-and-see period. Visit our website to learn more about our proprietary MoldExterm process that safely removes mold and leaves a barrier preventing future infestations.

 

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News

What Do I Need to Know About Mold in the Workplace?

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Mold in an Office Building is No Problem for Us

Mold in an Office Building is No Problem for Us

Mold in your home is a threat to your family’s health, but there are additional considerations when there’s an infestation in your office or business. Here is what the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has to say about the matter of mold in the workplace.

Detection and Prevention

• Any interior mold should always be removed, so testing is necessary only when visible growth can’t be confirmed.

• Excess moisture opens the door to mold growth, so water leaks and spills should be treated thoroughly within 24 to 48 hours.

• Maintain a regular building inspection schedule, paying close attention to HVAC systems, kitchens and bathrooms.

Health Issues

• The connection between mold growth and illness is still being studied, so there are currently no specific federal guidelines regarding mold in the workplace.

• Allergic reactions such as sneezing and red, itchy eyes are the most common health effects of inhaling mold spores.

• Consult a healthcare professional to address any concerns your employees may have.

Remediation

• An effective remediation plan should include steps to remove excess moisture and other conditions encouraging mold growth.

• Personal protection equipment such as goggles and respirators should be used by all remediation workers.

• Eating and drinking on-site should be avoided during the remediation process.

• Depending on the scope of the project, employees may need to be relocated while remediation is taking place.

Professional Mold Removal Service in NYC and Northern NJ

Our eco-friendly, non-invasive MoldExterm system is an efficient and cost-effective treatment for mold in the workplace. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection by our experienced and professionally-trained technicians.

Posted in Mold Law, Mold Remediation, MoldExterm, News

Did You Know That Your Landlord Does Not Have to Treat for Mold in NYC

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Landlords Don't Have to Treat for Mold

Landlords Don’t Have to Treat for Mold

Landlords should always take mold seriously but, unfortunately, not all of them do. Mold can spread very quickly and cause serious health problems. People tend to think of mold as a problem that strikes in wet climates, but the truth is that mold can happen just about anywhere. A spill that isn’t cleaned up quickly, or a leak that is left unattended can both lead to a serious problem.

Is Mold A Landlord’s Responsibility in New York City?

You might be tempted to think of a mold problem as being your landlord’s responsibility, but if you live in New York City, you’ll be surprised to find out that it’s not. There are currently no federal laws that require landlords to act quickly or even at all if one of their properties has a mold problem. However, the city is in the process of making it much easier for tenants to report issues with mold. They are also giving tenants information about what they can do expedite the process of getting mold treatment when it is needed.

Recommendations for Tenants

If a tenant feels that mold treatment is needed, there are some steps that can be taken to encourage the landlord to take care of the problem. Tenants can do one of two things:

1. Withhold their rent money until the mold problem is taken care of.

2. Repair the mold problem and deduct the cost of the repairs from the amount of rent that is usually paid.

Both of these are acceptable. If you have a serious mold problem, know your NYC tenant rights for mold, and contact Stern Mold to get a quick resolution.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Law, News

Did You Know that NY Protects Mold Treatment and Mold Inspection Consumers?

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NYC Protects

NYC Protects

Mold treatment is a hot topic, and any mold infestation is serious business. But New York is leading the way when it comes to mold treatment requirements for contractors. Here is the lowdown on what New York is doing for you.

Training, Licensing and Work Standards

The big three when it comes to mold remediation are training, licensing and work standards.

In New York, contractors are required to obtain appropriate training before becoming licensed. So you, as a consumer, can be assured that the company that you choose will employ skilled professionals to combat a mold problem.

With licensing comes the privilege of advertising the business, and that means any company that advertises must have skilled and professional technicians that have been licensed and certified.

The work standards criteria means that you are protected from fraud, such as all disinfectant products must be identified as accepted by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards, that employees use personal protection equipment as needed, that they must post notice of the project and all licenses, and that there will be a post-remediation assessment when the job has been completed.

New York is On Your Side

Mold can certainly be a serious problem, and the State of New York has set up guidelines for contractors to make sure that consumers get quality mold remediation from the contractor that they choose.

If you have any questions about mold remediation and the laws that govern mold removal, please contact Stern Mold. Serving all of the NY and NJ areas, we use the latest technology in mold removal and offer free inspections for your peace of mind.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Remediation, News

Does Black Mold Smell?

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The Nose Knows.

The Nose Knows.

When it comes to mold and fungus, out of sight is not out of mind. Sometimes an infestation develops in a hidden or out-of-the-way space, and the first clue comes through your nose rather than your eyes. What causes the odor, and what steps should you take to remove it?

The Nose Knows

Mold and fungus produce several gasses known as microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC. Many of them are odorless, but some of these gasses emit that stale, musty odor that’s commonly associated with mold.

While the smell of mold is unpleasant on its own, it’s indicative of a more serious health threat. If you can smell mold, chances are high that you’re inhaling both MVOC and mold spores themselves. Some of these compounds are mycotoxins that can cause physical and mental ailments ranging from sinus infections to depression.

How Do You Remove Mold Odor?

Scented candles, sprays and other conventional air fresheners are only temporary solutions because they simply mask the smell. The only way to truly rid your home or office of mold odor is to remove the source.

If you smell that tell-tale musty odor, don’t rely on an over-the-counter mold test. Professionally trained technicians such as the ones at Stern Mold have the know-how to get accurate results and the experience to determine where to look for mold and fungus.

MoldExterm: A Non-Toxic, Non-Invasive Solution

Traditional mold remediation will remove the smell along with a good chunk of building materials. Contact us for a free mold inspection in NYC or northern NJ and learn why MoldExterm is the most effective way to remove and prevent mold and fungus.

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