Monthly Archives: January 2020

Can You Test Mold Exposure with a Blood Test?

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Does Mold Exposure Show Up on Blood Tests?

Does Mold Exposure Show Up on Blood Tests?

Black mold could be lurking in your home without you even being aware that it’s there. Maybe you’re showing some of the signs of black mold exposure, but you want to know for sure. There are several ways you can find out, including taking a blood test. Your Manhattan mold removal specialists want to make sure you take good care of your health, so if you’re having a reaction to black mold, you can find out for certain.

Taking a Blood Test for Mold Exposure 

This test is minimally invasive but very informative. Your doctor will need to take a sample of your blood and send it to a lab for testing. They will check to see how the antibodies in your system react to various mold species, black mold included. When they test your blood, they will also look for toxins that indicate mold poisoning.

Getting a Skin Prick Test

Skin prick tests are another way for your doctor to tell if you’re allergic to certain types of mold. They take various types and apply them to the skin using small needles. If you’re allergic to that type of mold, your skin will react by forming a rash or other reaction.

Talk With Your Manhattan Mold Removal Experts

Getting exposed to black mold can lead to all kinds of health issues, including asthma, hair loss, confusion, memory loss, and more. Contact us, your Manhattan mold removal professionals, for assistance with your mold problem. We offer free inspections!

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News

Five Types of Mold Found in Homes

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Know the Dangers of Having Mold in Your Bedroom

Know the Dangers of Having Mold in Your Bedroom

Mold is a blanket term for a type of fungus that encompasses thousands of different species. Here’s a look at five common mold types found in homes, which will require NYC mold removal.

1. Stachybotrys

When people talk about toxic mold, they’re actually referring to stachybotrys. While it’s also known as black mold, it can appear green as well. Stachybotrys gets its nickname from mycotoxins it produces that are especially dangerous to children.

2. Aspergillus

Aspergillus comes in more than 185 different species, so it appears in a wide range of colors. In addition to triggering allergic reactions, aspergillus can cause serious lung infections.

3. Alternaria

Alternaria is the #1 type of allergic mold throughout the world. This species comes in dark brown or green with a velvet-like appearance.

4. Cladosporium

Mold is generally associated with warm, damp areas, but cladosporium grows equally well in the cold. Resembling suede with its olive-green or dark brown coloring, cladosporium is often found in upholstery, carpets and other indoor fabrics.

5. Trichoderma

Trichoderma is usually white with green patches that give it a “wooly” appearance. Some species of trichoderma produce mycotoxins similar to stachybotrys. Trichoderma also contains an enzyme that destroys wood and other building materials, which can lead to structural damage.

Effective NYC Mold Removal for All Types

Whatever type of mold affects your home, it requires professional NYC mold removal. Our MoldExterm program effectively removes mold and prevents it from returning. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection by our knowledgeable technicians.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News

Is There Such a Thing as Non-Toxic Mold?

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Mold May Affect Your Lungs

Mold May Affect Your Lungs

The term “toxic” is often used in conjunction with mold in reports of Manhattan mold removal. Is it redundant, or is there such a thing as non-toxic mold?

Types of Toxic Mold

Toxic mold, sometimes called black mold, refers to particular species that emit dangerous substances called mycotoxins. When you hear or read about toxic mold, it generally involves these types:

• Stachybotrys chartarum has a greenish-black, soot-like appearance, although dampness can add a slimy sheen to the surface. High moisture and cellulose content plus low nitrogen content provide the perfect breeding ground for Stachybotrys chartarum, which is why this species is so often found in water-damaged buildings.

• In contrast to Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus niger is dark black to gray in color and dry in appearance. The two species do share the common feature of producing mycotoxins that create serious health risks.

While a number of other mold species may be black in color, not all of them are toxic. Cladosporium is the most common type of non-toxic mold. Other non-toxic species include Dresclera, Alternaria and Ulocladium.

Can Non-Toxic Mold Affect Health?

Side effects of non-toxic mold are not as serious as those caused by the toxic variety, but any type of mold can trigger allergic symptoms. Seek professional Manhattan mold removal any time you suspect an infestation in your home or building.

Efficient and Cost-Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Our trained technicians are skilled at finding and eliminating mold in homes and buildings. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, News

How to Identify Problem Mold

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Moisture Breeds Mold. Ensure You Are Keeping Your Humidity Under Control!

Moisture Breeds Mold. Ensure You Are Keeping Your Humidity Under Control!

Mold and mold spores surround us every day. How do you know when a problem requires NYC mold removal? Here’s a look at the signs of an indoor mold situation that needs attention.

Signs of a Mold Infestation

• Visible mold growth is the easiest to identify. Unfortunately, mold thrives in out-of-the-way places, so a mold colony in plain sight often means more is hidden elsewhere.

• Mold has a distinctive musty smell generated by escaping gases known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). While the smell is often associated with basements, it clearly indicates the presence of mold, which should never be considered a normal condition.

• Prolonged exposure to mold frequently triggers allergic reactions in the upper respiratory system. If you have no history of allergies but you begin to experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and watery eyes, mold is usually the culprit. Symptoms of mold-related allergies also tend to subside when you’re away from the source.

What About Black Mold?

Much of the concern about mold is centered on stachybotrys, the so-called “black mold.” Stachybotrys emits mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks, especially for children, elderly people and those with compromised immune systems. Many other species of mold are black in appearance, so any infestation should be inspected and evaluated by NYC mold removal experts.

Expert Help for All NYC Mold Removal Needs

Do you suspect the presence of mold in your home or building? Contact us for a free inspection by our friendly and experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Law, News
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