Monthly Archives: February 2018

Mold Spores May Trigger Asthmatic Reactions

Posted on by
Mold Spores Float in the Air

Mold Spores Float in the Air

If you’re someone who suffers from asthma, then you know how hard it is to avoid certain triggers. Mold spores may be among the most potent triggers that you can face. If you have mold in your home, you may have tried a number of methods to get rid of it but to no avail. That means that it’s time for a professional approach. When it comes to mold removal NJ residents are quick to place their trust in Stern Mold.

Why is Mold so Hard to Avoid?

Mold spores are everywhere, so you can’t escape them in your home. Mold can grow very quickly; as long as there is a food source and humid air. That’s why certain areas in your home are the perfect places for it to thrive. You may have noticed mold in your:

• Kitchen

• Bathroom

• Laundry room

• Basement

• Garage

The other issue is that the spores travel through the air. This is what makes it so difficult for you to breathe when you’re around it.

Can Mold be Prevented in Your Home?

There are ways you can try to prevent mold. During the warm months of the year, run an air conditioner or dehumidifier. This will take moisture out of the air. Make sure any spills or leaks are cleaned up quickly because mold can grow in standing water.

Unfortunately, there are times when you won’t be able to prevent this fungus from invading your home. At Stern Mold, we offer professional mold removal. We’re here to assist you in keeping your home safe for every member of your family. Contact us for a free inspection!

 

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

A Snapshot of History – Mold Over Time

Posted on by
You Can Trust Our NORMI Certified Services

You Can Trust Our NORMI Certified Services

Ancient humans had no idea that microorganisms exist, but that doesn’t mean they were clueless about the risks and dangers of mold. Long ago, people remediated mold problems much like the mold removal techniques we use in NYC buildings today. Thankfully, the technology and science have come a long way!

As detailed by mycologist Richard Progovitz in his book, there is a long history of mold around the world.

– Tomb raiders in ancient Egypt often became ill or died of respiratory problems. Hieroglyphics indicate the tombs had pungent air that likely contained toxic mold spores.

– The Book of Leviticus in the Old Testament describes a belief that mold-infected clothing and linens could cause illness. Priests were responsible for mold remediation, including cleaning the items and burning them if mold returned.

In short, people were concerned by mold long before they knew that fungi grew from microscopic mold spores. They knew that mold smells, damages property, and caused health problems.

The Modern Method of Mold Removal that NYC Trusts

We now understand that mold spores can be found everywhere, in the air and on surfaces. We also know that the most likely conditions for mold growth include moisture (from plumbing leaks or simply high humidity) and stagnant air (ventilation helps).

Proper mold clean-up is essential. Mold spores can regrow quickly if you don’t take care of the entire problem.

Stern Mold offers a guaranteed method of mold removal that NYC businesses, hotels, apartments, and other building owners trust for affordable, safe remediation. Our two-step sanitizing and sealing process kills mold spores and prevents reoccurrence.

Contact us for a FREE inspection by our mold removal NYC specialists.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, News

You Cannot Control Mold Growth With Temperature

Posted on by
You Cannot Control Mold Growth With Temperature

You Cannot Control Mold Growth With Temperature

Attempting mold removal in NYC via temperature control? Chances are, this will not give you the upper hand on mold. The right climate for mold varies by species, and there’s a wide and colorful variety of mold species in nature.

You Can’t Freeze it Out
Though mold prefers the same temperatures that humans do, dropping the temperature in mold infected buildings to a meat locker climate for an extended period of time will not kill mold. It will simply send it into dormancy.

You Can’t Sweat it Out
Think you’ll stop mold growth with higher temperatures instead? Higher temperatures only add fuel to the fire, inviting more mold growth. When combined with higher humidity that often accompanies a rise in temperature – mold growth will explode.

You Can’t Dry it Out
Though a dryer environment thwarts the spread of mold, it will not dehydrate spores to their death.

The Long & Short of It?
Extreme cold, freez­ing, and heat can deactivate spores but it does not kill them. Neither will dehumidifiers. Mold is resistant to desiccation. It is tenacious. As soon as your efforts cease and desist mold will continue to thrive, reproducing throughout your home or commercial space.

Mold Removal in NYC Requires Professional Efforts
However these efforts do not have to involve, lengthy, costly, tear-down and reconstruction. Biological remedies exist that can help you prevail in the battle against mold, and prevent it from knocking on your door again once cleanup is complete.

Tired of hiding mold, or slapping a band-aid on mold problems? Get rid of mold for good, and with less effort. Contact SternMold, the experts on mold removal in NYC, today.

Posted in Mold Treatment, News

What Types of Mold are Commonly Found in Commercial Buildings?

Posted on by
What Types of Mold are Commonly Found in Commercial Buildings?

What Types of Mold are Commonly Found in Commercial Buildings?

Is that just a bit of dirt and grime? Or is your commercial property in need of NJ mold removal services?

Be on the Lookout for These Five Dangerous Mold Species:

Alternia
Powdery and olive-green to black, 70% of those with mold allergies react to Alternia. This mold is at its highest concentration during the summer, when wind carries spores indoors.

Aspergillus
The second most common mold to infect humans, many commercial buildings are found to contain Aspergillus, whose spores are found in higher concentrations indoors than out. Yellow-green with a reddish-brown underside, it’s a toxic mold, capable of producing mycotoxins, and is known to cause serious health issues in humans and animals. This mold – and the diseases it induces – is so common that its diseases have their own name: Aspergillosis.

Cladosporium
NJ mold removal experts see a lot of Cladosporium, which comes in many colors (olive-green, brown, grey, black) and grows at nearly any temperature – even cold storage. It’s known as a major trigger for asthma attacks.

Penicillium
Penicillium was named after the Latin word for ‘paintbrush,’ namely due to its ability to produce enormous quantities of greenish, bluish or yellowish spores. Though toxic, carefully cultured, it can be put to beneficial use in antibiotics.

Stachybotrys
Dark brown or black in color, Stachybotrys, or ‘black mold’ is slow to develop, but can overtake other types of mold that colonize before it. It is commonly found on cellulose (plant-based) materials like paper, wood, and cotton.

Don’t let your commercial space earn a reputation as a ‘sick building.’ Clear mold fast with the help of the NJ mold removal experts at Stern Mold today.

Posted in Mold Identification, News, NJ Mold Removal, NYC Mold Removal

What Symptoms Would I Experience from Chronic Mold Exposure?

Posted on by
Here are the Tell-Tale Symptoms of Chronic Mold Exposure, be on the Lookout!

Here are the Tell-Tale Symptoms of Chronic Mold Exposure, be on the Lookout!

Mold-related illness is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms can be similar to those for other conditions. People may dismiss their running nose, irritated eyes, and fatigue as seasonal allergies or a cold, but chronic mold exposure can lead to serious health problems. Proper treatment for any mold illness requires eliminating the underlying mold problem. Know the facts about mold and your health to protect your family and employees.

Symptoms may vary based on the type of mold

There are many different types of mold. While black mold is the one commonly associated with illness, there are other types of mold that are potentially harmful. Mold breaks down biological materials like wood and paper. As this happens, the mold produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When you smell a musty odor in a building, you are smelling the VOCs. Some VOCs can be dangerous to building occupants.

Common symptoms of mold exposure

Since mold spores are tiny and travel undetected through the air, they are easily inhaled and can lead to ongoing sinus problems and respiratory issues. Also, contact with mold can cause a skin irritation called Sporotrichosis. Mold illness may manifest in different ways because the mycotoxins can cause an over-response by your body’s immune system. An overactive immune response results in many different symptoms.

Be proactive about mold and your health

If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms from mold exposure, contact a physician with knowledge and experience in mold illness. To quickly and effectively eliminate mold from your home or business, contact the experts at Stern Mold. The MoldExterm method is less costly than traditional remediation methods and includes a comprehensive guarantee.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, News
« Older Entries