Monthly Archives: July 2017

Firefighters Are Now Fighting Black Mold in Their Own Fire Stations

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.

Firefighters handle dangerous threats in the line of duty every day, but members of three stations in Oklahoma are facing one closer to home as black mold takes a toll on their health.

Black Mold: A Small but Mighty Foe

According to Northwest Rogers County Firefighter James Pippin, their three buildings date back to 1986 and poor maintenance has resulted in a major infestation of black mold. The fungus has been found throughout the stations on ceilings, baseboards and other surfaces.

Pippin explained that many of the firefighters began experiencing headaches, watery eyes, sinus congestion and other upper respiratory symptoms. They felt fine upon reporting to work, but started feeling ill as the days wore on.

After the firefighters compared notes, they had a professional come out to their stations and conduct mold inspections. While the control test performed outdoors showed 130 parts per cubic foot, the measurement indoors was a staggering 9,400 parts per cubic foot.

What’s the Solution?

As Pippin noted, that amount is just below the level when professionals recommend immediate evacuation. Armed with the test results, the fire chief called a board meeting to address the situation.

The decision was made to relocate all three stations as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Pippin says, the budget is tight and viable options are hard to find.

Contact Stern Mold for Safe and Effective NY Mold Removal

If black mold can take down firefighters, imagine the damage it could cause in your own home or building. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection and learn more about our eco-friendly, non-intrusive NY mold removal program.

The Cleveland Clinic: How to Treat Mold Exposure

The Cleveland Clinic: How to Treat Mold Exposure

The Cleveland Clinic: How to Treat Mold Exposure

Exposure to mold can cause a serious allergic reaction called aspergillosis. The Cleveland Clinic, one of our country’s largest and most respected medical centers, offers more information about this illness along with helpful tips for treatment and prevention.

Who Is Affected by Aspergillosis?

Aspergillosis gets its name from Aspergillus fumigatus, a type of mold that is the primary cause of the illness. Aspergillus is one of the most common forms of outdoor mold, but it can easily be tracked indoors on shoes and clothing.

Healthy people are generally at low risk for aspergillosis, which primarily affects those with compromised immune systems or pre-existing lung conditions. Problems arise when mold spores are inhaled and settle in lung cavities or mucus-filled airways.

Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Symptoms of aspergillosis include:

• Wheezing and coughing, sometimes accompanied by blood or increased mucus

• Fever and/or chills

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

These upper-respiratory symptoms are similar to those of general allergic reactions, so it’s important to visit your doctor and rule out other causes.

Aspergillosis is most often treated with oral corticosteroids and anti-fungal drugs, either separately or in combination. Surgery is sometimes necessary when fungus balls called aspergillomas are present in the lungs or other organs.

Since Aspergillus is so common, the best course of prevention is to avoid locations such as construction sites that are likely to have a lot of dust and mold. People at high risk might consider wearing a face mask.

Trust Stern Mold for Efficient and Eco-Friendly NJ Mold Removal

Don’t take chances with your health. Visit our website to learn why Stern Mold is the leader in NJ mold removal for homes and businesses.

FEMA: Tips on Treating Mold in a Flooded Home

FEMA: Tips on Treating Mold in a Flooded Home

FEMA: Tips on Treating Mold in a Flooded Home

When it comes to NY mold removal and keeping you informed about it, Stern Mold has you covered.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has put out a comprehensive guide for mold in your flood-damaged home and what to do about it. You can read what they say by clicking on the FEMA link, and we will summarize some of the tips and advice that they provided in their guide. Some of the most important things to know are:

Mildew and molds grow on wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves and other organic materials.

• Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours.

How to Get Rid of Mold

• Turn off main power if wiring is wet or moldy.

• Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture unless mold has already started to grow.

• Remove all wet items such as furniture, rugs, bedding, toys, and carpeting.

• Wash items such as metal, glass, solid wood, plastic, and other non-porous materials with a non-ammonia detergent and hot water.

• Disinfect all cleaned surfaces with a 10% bleach solution. Let the solution stay on the surface for at least 10 minutes before rinsing with clear water and allowing to dry.

These are just some of the tips from FEMA about mold and mold removal after a flood. You can read the entire post or call us at Stern Mold for answers to all of your questions, or to schedule a free mold inspection. We are proud to be your NY mold removal expert, serving NY for over 20 years.

 

The CDC Weighs In: Mold After a Natural Disaster

The CDC Weighs In: Mold After a Natural Disaster

The CDC Weighs In: Mold After a Natural Disaster

A lot of people think that mold is just an annoyance, when it can actually be a very dangerous thing for your health, especially for young people. Mold is at its worst after natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, or any other time that drenching rain or flooding water gets inside inside your home. Times like that are when you need to call an NJ mold removal expert.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released this statement about mold, which we will highlight for you below.

• People with asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold.

• If you or your family members have health problems after exposure to mold, contact your doctor or other health care provider.

• Controlling moisture in your home is the most critical factor for preventing mold growth.

• If you plan to be inside the building for awhile or you plan to clean up mold, you should buy an N95 mask at your local home supply store and wear it while inside the building.

After natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, excess moisture and standing water contribute to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings. When returning to a home that has been flooded, be aware that mold may be present and may be a health risk for you and your family.

If you have any questions about natural disasters and mold removal, Stern Mold will have the answers. We are NJ mold removal experts, serving the NJ area for over 20 years. Call us for a free mold inspection.

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