Category Archives: Mold & Your Health

Mold and Your Health Connection: Mold and the Serious Symptoms

Allergic Reactions? It Could Be Mold.

Mold is more than just an unsightly stain underneath sinks or on shower walls. A link has been established between exposure to mold and chronic health problems. Do you know what symptoms can be an indication of mold-related illness?

How Mold Affects Your Health

When mold is present inside a home or building, it releases microscopic spores that drift in the air where they are ingested by breathing. Once inside your system, they can irritate the sensitive linings of your throat and nasal passages, resulting in upper-respiratory allergic reactions.

The most common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. Some people may also develop rashes where mold spores come in contact with skin. Individuals with pre-existing allergies are most susceptible, but even otherwise healthy people can become affected after prolonged exposure.

When Mold Exposure Has More Serious Consequences

People with upper-respiratory diseases such as asthma or those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mold. Some varieties of mold produce mycotoxins that can cause lung infections and other more serious ailments.

The connection between mold and illness is not simply conjecture. According to the National Academy of Medicine (formerly known as the Institute of Medicine), there is sufficient evidence linking exposure to indoor mold with chronic upper-respiratory symptoms.

Protect Your Health with Complete NYC Mold Treatment

Good health is priceless. Our trained technicians are NYC mold treatment experts who will completely remove any trace of mold without destroying any building materials, usually in just one day. Contact us to learn more about our non-invasive MoldExterm system and schedule a free mold inspection.

Mold and Your Health Connection: Toxic Mold and Depression

Have You Been Experiencing Upper Respiratory Symptoms?

Mold and Depression

It seems that hardly a week can go by without a story concerning toxic mold discovered in homes or schools and other public buildings. While you may be aware of mold as an allergic health threat, did you know that a link has been discovered between toxic mold and depression?

Tracking the Connection Between Toxic Mold and Depression

Over a period of time, a number of studies conducted in the United Kingdom demonstrated an association between mold and depression. A research team headed up by Edmond Shenassa, an epidemiologist from Brown University, decided to challenge this conclusion by conducting their own test.

To their surprise, the team discovered that the results of their study, which were published in 2007 in The American Journal of Public Health, actually supported the earlier findings. Participants included more than 6,000 European adults, and research revealed evidence of a clear link between interior mold and residents exhibiting symptoms of depression.

“Good” and “Bad” Mold

Mold and mold spores are present everywhere, and they play an important role in nature by aiding in decomposition of organic matter such as dead leaves and tree trunks. Problems arise from indoor development of mold containing mycotoxins, which are known to cause allergies and illness in humans and animals.

Contact Stern Mold for Effective and Eco-Friendly NYC Mold Treatment

Don’t wait until you and your family begin showing symptoms of mold exposure. Our professionally-trained technicians use our proprietary MoldExterm system to provide non-invasive NYC mold treatment that includes a polymer sealer to guard against future infestations. Visit our website to learn more and schedule a free mold inspection.

The Power of Images – Mold Remediation in Action

We Are Number One in Mold Treatment!

We Are Number One in Mold Treatment!

While there have been numerous stories about the dangers of interior mold, it’s difficult for words alone to paint the picture. Our photo gallery features before-and-after pictures that graphically illustrate the unsightly health hazard of mold and the effectiveness of our proprietary MoldExterm treatment.

Before and After: Bathroom

The first three sets of photos show a bathroom that was one of our more recent projects. Bathrooms are a common site of mold infestations due to the frequent presence of excess moisture and the lack of sufficient ventilation.

Nearly every surface of the bathroom, including walls and window frames, was covered with dark mold patches. It would have been next to impossible for the homeowner to thoroughly remove such a heavy coat of mold, and more importantly, there would be a good likelihood of mold returning.

Afterwards, all surfaces are back to their light color. No building materials have been removed, and a polymer sealer has been added to repel future mold infestations.

Before and After: Basement

Basements are dark, damp, stuffy spaces that provide ideal conditions for mold to multiply. The next two sets of photos depict the basement of an art gallery that was overtaken by mold colonies.

Once again, MoldExterm made quick work of the mold stains on the ceiling and walls. None of the wooden ceiling beams required removal. The anti-microbial substrate provides a protective layer over all affected surfaces.

Stern Mold: The Leader in Mold Removal for NYC and Northern NJ

Our MoldExterm process is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to handle the toughest mold removal jobs in your home or office. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.

Mold Litigation – What You Need to Know to Protect Your Business

Don't Wait until it's Too Late, Inspect Now!

Don’t Wait until it’s Too Late, Inspect Now!

If you’re a property manager, one of the things you want to avoid at all costs is mold litigation. It’s in your best interests to ensure that you promptly take care of your tenants’ mold problems, and you should also be inspecting properties regularly to watch for any signs of mold.

Protecting your business is your primary concern, and to do that, it’s important to know as much as you can about mold and fungus.

What is Toxic Mold Syndrome?

Certain types of mold can produce spores that are released into the air. They produce a toxin known as a mycotoxin, which can lead to serious health issues when the spores are inhaled. Some of the symptoms of Toxic Mold Syndrome include:

• Fever

• Body Aches

• Dizziness

• Breathing Problems

• Nausea

Some people are more susceptible to Toxic Mold Syndrome than others. Children, the elderly, and those who have weakened immune systems are at much greater risk.

How is Toxic Mold Syndrome Proven?

In order to prove that someone has Toxic Mold Syndrome, a few steps need to be taken. First, medical proof needs to be obtained. Second, the existence of mold exposure must be proven. Finally, there must be proof that a defendant was negligent in providing proper treatment to remove any mold and fungus issues that exist on the property.

It’s in your best interests as a property manager to act quickly if a mold issue is brought to your attention. That way, you can avoid costly and time-consuming mold litigation. Here at Stern Mold, we specialize in identifying mold problems and removing them. For a free inspection, contact us.

NYC Gives Filing Help to Tenants Who Find Mold

Don't Put Yourself at Risk, Get the Solutions You Deserve!

Don’t Put Yourself at Risk, Get the Solutions You Deserve!

Are you a tenant who is feeling helpless because your landlord refuses to provide necessary mold treatment? Officials in NYC have developed a valuable resource that provides recourse when your living situation becomes a health risk.

“Safe and Sanitary” Housing

NYC law states that landlords must maintain rental units in “safe and sanitary condition” and complete repairs “in a timely manner.” The language is broad enough to include issues such as mold infestations that present a danger to your health.

How Do You Assert Your Rights?

• You have the responsibility to contact your landlord first with any request for repairs or maintenance. Document all communication in writing, either hard copy or email, so you have a trail of evidence to support your claim.

• If your landlord fails to respond, you may file a complaint with the City. You also have the option of seeking help from the Housing Court.

• Any complaints involving apartments must include your contact information. If you’re reporting a situation that affects the entire building, contact information is still required but the complaint may be listed as anonymous in the public record.

• More help is available on the NYC website. You will find a copy of the City’s 311 privacy policy as well as information on Housing Court and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Effective and Eco-Friendly Mold Treatment in NYC

Traditional mold remediation is difficult, messy and expensive. In addition, there’s a good chance that mold will reoccur. Our proprietary MoldExterm system is quick and non-intrusive, and it includes a patented polymer sealer that repels future mold infestations. Visit our website for more information and schedule your free mold inspection.

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