Category Archives: Mold & Your Health

Mold 101: Prolonged Mold Exposure May Cause Cognitive Issues

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Mold May Be More Dangerous Than You Think.

Mold May Be More Dangerous Than You Think.

Much has been written and documented about exposure to mold spores triggering upper respiratory allergic reactions. Researchers are now discovering disturbing evidence pointing to a link between the body’s inflammatory response to mold and structural changes in the brain.

How Inflammation Affects the Brain

A semi-permeable membrane known as the blood-brain barrier protects the brain from neurotoxins while allowing passage of water, glucose and other molecules that are necessary for neural function. Inflammatory reactions can loosen the tight junctions binding the BBB cells, compromising their ability to control what moves in and out.

TGF beta-1 and and IL-1B are two of the specific compounds that produce this inflammatory response in the BBB. Scientists have also found that elevated levels of these substances are present in patients who have developed chronic inflammatory response syndrome after exposure to moldy interiors in water-damaged buildings.

Mold and Cognitive Functions

NeuroQuant is a sophisticated software program used to assess patients with traumatic brain injuries based off of a specifically-run MRI. When NeuroQuant was used to evaluate the brains of patients with mold illness, preliminary results indicated a “unique fingerprint” of changes in white matter volume along with structural gray matter damage.

Previously, there had been some doubt as to whether there is a connection between mold exposure and cognitive brain damage. As researchers verify and expand the study, it appears that we may shortly have a definitive answer to this question.

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Our eco-friendly two-step MoldExterm treatment is a cost-effective and non-invasive solution for Manhattan mold removal. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection by our friendly and professionally-trained technicians.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information

Mold 101: the CDC Weighs in On Mold and Damp Buildings

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the CDC Weighs in On Mold and Damp Buildings

the CDC Weighs in On Mold and Damp Buildings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes the health risks associated with high indoor humidity, dampness and mold in offices, schools, and other nonindustrial buildings. You work hard to keep your business profitable, maintain a safe and comfortable environment for your employees and customers, and to keep customers coming back every time they need your products or services. A musky smell from leaking pipes or water incursion can’t be masked and it can ruin your business. People with sensitive immune systems and mold allergies feel the effects of mold spores quickly when they’re in a building with mold. Our Manhattan mold removal company can help you at a reasonable price and without tearing out walls.

The CDC defines dampness as any unwanted or excessive moisture inside your building. Having this dampness in your building will lead to mold growth that releases mold spores and breaks down building materials. Different types of mold grow in different moisture conditions. The CDC warns that mold inside buildings is associated with several respiratory problems including asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. People sensitive to allergens and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing a more severe illness from their exposure to mold.

We can remedy your mold problem with our Manhattan mold removal service. Our MoldExterm method is faster and less costly than traditional remediation methods. It does not require tearing out walls and can be done with little or no interruption to your business schedule. Contact Stern Mold for a free professional inspection and consultation on the best way to maintain optimal air quality and prevent mold from coming back.

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

Mold 101: Could Mold Cause Pneumonia or Similar Symptoms?

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Could Mold Cause Pneumonia or Similar Symptoms?

Could Mold Cause Pneumonia or Similar Symptoms??

Mold inside your home or business can cause occupants to suffer the same symptoms as the flu and other respiratory allergies. If you are experiencing a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes or a sore throat, you may dismiss these symptoms as seasonal allergies or perhaps the annual flu season. However, it could be a mold allergy.

The Mayo Clinic says that when anyone with a sensitive immune system inhales mold spores, their body releases histamine. This can cause coughing, sneezing, sore chest, and other flu-like symptoms. Mold allergy symptoms can be different for each person and possibly lead to serious illness. If you or anyone you know is experiencing what could be mold allergy symptoms or possibly pneumonia, see a doctor right away. Your doctor will use your medical history, a physical exam, and chest X-ray to diagnose your condition and prescribe treatment.

Diagnosing any type of allergy can be a complex process. It involves allergy testing and identifying the source of the problem. Since the symptoms of mold allergies and other respiratory problems are so similar, doctors may not suspect your building is the source of your health problem initially. If you suspect your building has mold, call one of the top Manhattan mold removal companies for a free inspection. MoldExterm is a quick, cost-effective alternative to traditional mold remediation that does not involve tearing out walls disrupting your business.

If you own a business in New York, New Jersey, or Long Island, don’t take any chances with the health of your employees. Call Stern Mold for an inspection and free consultation. We are one of the top Manhattan mold removal companies.

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

Mold 101: Treatment Tips for Mold Exposure

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Mold Treatment

Of course, if you ever have an allergic reaction to household mold, your best method of treatment may be to take an anti-histamine and see your local doctor.

So, when it comes to treating mold exposure on certain materials, and getting rid of it, there are several things you can do yourself. However, if the problem is severe, then it’s always best to get professional Manhattan mold remediation.

Here are some tips …

  • On Wood — Generally, unless it has spread everywhere, wood can be cleaned with bleach or a mold removal solution and then allowed to thoroughly dry.
  • On Drywall — Unless the drywall has been painted and the mold is topical, the entire piece or area must be cut out and removed, and a new piece of drywall put in its place. There is no other option because the mold will have tunneled into the porous drywall structure, and it cannot be cleaned or wiped away.
  • On Tile Grout — Bleach or a mold removal solution can be used to clean tile grout and remove the mold, and then ideally, a grout sealer should be applied to seal the pores on the grout to keep mold from coming back.
  • On Carpeting — If the mold is topical on the carpeting, it can be carpet cleaned away. Unfortunately, most mold on carpeting lies deeper within the matting, and when that occurs, the entire area where the mold is present, must be cut out and replaced.

If you have any questions about mold infestation and removal, please call the professionals at Stern Mold. We offer a free mold inspection and are the experts for Manhattan mold remediation.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

Mold 101: Mold Biology – the Facts for NYC & NJ Residents

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All About Mold

Over the last few years a lot of attention has been paid to mold in homes and businesses in NYC and NJ. But how much do you actually know about mold, other than it’s the green slimy stuff that turns up on dead tree logs?

Your family’s health could depend on your awareness of mold. Here are some facts about mold, how it develops and grows, and how to fight it.

How Does Mold Grow?

Whether it’s called mold or mildew, these tiny organisms are simple life forms that, unlike many plants and other organisms, lack the ability to photosynthesize, which is creating food from carbon dioxide and water. Mold absorbs its nutrients from organic materials like the aforementioned logs or common household surfaces such as carpeting, paper and food products.

Mold spores are present in the atmosphere everywhere, and you come in contact with them daily. Problems arise when a spore settles on a damp surface and begins to multiply. Eventually the mold will appear as a circular spot due to outward growth of the hyphae, which are the filament-like forms taken by the organisms.

Fighting Mold from the Bottom Up

Due to the nature of mold’s life cycle, it’s not enough to clean up an infestation no matter how thoroughly it’s done. The cause of the moisture, whether it’s a water leak or excessive humidity, must be corrected to prevent future developments.

Contact Us for Effective Manhattan Mold Removal and Prevention

Our proprietary two-step MoldExterm Manhattan mold removal process uses a powerful anti-microbial to eliminate mold and leaves a polymer sealer behind to prevent future infestations. Visit our website to learn more.

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