Category Archives: Mold & Your Health

Tips on Filing a Mold Complaint with Your Property Manager

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Keep an Eye Out (and Nose Even) for Mold!

Keep an Eye Out (and Nose Even) for Mold!

When living in a rental unit, virtually any type of issue with the unit’s structure must be called to attention by way of your property manager. That also includes a mold infestation, which may or may not be directly related to personal property in your household.

Here are some tips on filing a mold complaint:

• Notification — Notify your property manager of mold. Orally notifying them is good, but always take it one step further by writing a letter and making a duplicate, then putting it in the property managers mailbox. Make sure it’s dated, too.

• Pictures — Take pictures of the mold problem; you can even use your cell phone if it has a camera. Make sure you get several angles, and offload the pictures to a computer. If needed for evidence, you’ll know where to find them and they won’t be inadvertently deleted from your phone.

• File a Written Complaint — If the property manager or owner of the building won’t act quickly for mold treatment, you can file a written complaint with the housing department in your city, town or jurisdiction. Check online or go down to City Hall and ask questions about filing a legal complaint.

In most situations your property manager will be willing to help cure any mold problem that you may find. It’s in their best interest to take care of the problem as quickly and effectively as possible, to prevent health issues or legal actions from affecting their bottom line.

If you have questions about mold treatment in your rental, please contact Stern Mold. We will work with you and your property manager to rid your home of mold.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Law, Mold Tips

The Cost of Litigation of Untreated Mold Problems

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Worried About a Possible Mold Issue? Think About the Kids.

Worried About a Possible Mold Issue? Think About the Kids.

What is the price of your family’s health? As organizations such as the Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to warn about mold and fungus as serious causes of illness, courts are becoming more likely to award monetary damages.

Failure to address moisture and mold problems can result in serious liability for property owners. Here are two cases where landlords and home owners were held responsible for significant damages caused by lack of mold treatment.

Former NBA Coach Cited for “Technical Foul”

After former NBA player and coach Rudy Tomjanovich and his wife sold their Pacific Palisades home, the purchaser sued over lack of disclosure concerning water leaks accompanied by mold and fungus. The couple claimed that there had been only one leak that was promptly repaired, and they blamed the non-disclosure on their attorneys.

The Tomjanovichs were ordered to pay more than $3 million in compensatory and punitive damages. This case underscores the fact that water damage and remediation efforts must always be disclosed in property transactions.

Renter Beware

An Oregon radiologist rented a home which developed a water leak in a stairwell. The tenant promptly reported the issue to the property management company, but they took no action. When an indoor air quality expert discovered numerous defects that caused allergic symptoms, the renter sued and received an award of $103,000.

Efficient Mold and Fungus Remediation in NYC and Northern NJ

If you suspect mold and fungus in your home or business, our Stern Mold technicians can perform eco-friendly and non-invasive remediation using our MoldExterm process. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Law

EPA Shares Information on the Identification of Hazardous Mold

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The EPA Knows Mold!

The EPA Knows Mold!

You’re right to be concerned about mold and your health. Every year, mold leads to an incredible number of health issues for many people, and a lot of them don’t even realize they have mold problems. Fortunately, there are organizations that have done a lot of work to find out as much as they can about mold and its effect on us, as well as how to properly identify it. The EPA is one of those organizations.

Detecting Dangerous Molds

At one time, there wasn’t a lot that was known about different types of molds, and even less was known about the health consequences of them. However, two EPA scientists found a way to quickly detect and identify dangerous molds, including Stachybotrys (black mold), as well as several other types of molds. The technology they used allowed them to identify molds within a few hours, as opposed to a few weeks, like previous methods. This allows for quicker action on the part of professionals who can rectify the problem.

The Problem with Mold and Your Health

Did you know that there are as many as 100 different types of common indoor molds that are responsible for many of the health issues people face today? Sick building syndrome is a serious problem for many residential homes and commercial buildings. However, mold can stay hidden for a long time in water damaged areas that don’t receive much or any traffic. By the time it’s discovered, quite often, significant health damage has already been done.

A mold inspection is recommended for anyone who is concerned about a potential mold issue. Contact us here at Stern Mold for help.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification

Mold in the Workplace – OSHA Weighs in

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Feeling a Little Off at Work? Consider Mold as the Cause.

Feeling a Little Off at Work? Consider Mold as the Cause.

According to OSHA, more people are aware of the dangers of mold now than ever before. While mold and fungi are terms that are often used interchangeably, mold is actually a type of fungi than can cause serious health problems and concerns. Mold in the workplace is often an issue that is overlooked in many cases.

The Dangers of Mold

Mold tends to develop in areas that are damp, have high humidity, or where water damage has occurred. As soon as mold begins to develop, it can spread rapidly. It releases millions of spores that are air-borne, water-borne or even insect-borne. These spores are capable of producing mycotoxins, which can be hazardous to your health. Those at a greater risk of health issues include:

• Elderly people

• Infants and children

• People with asthma or allergies

• Pregnant women

Your Right to a Safe Workplace

As an employee, you have the right to a safe workplace, and employers have to follow strict guidelines to ensure your health and safety. The laws that are in place are there to protect you, and while most people assume the laws are mostly regarding your physical safety on the job, they also apply to your health. OSHA has laws in place to protect you, and if you feel that your rights are being violated because you work in a place that isn’t safe, you are encouraged to contact OSHA and file a report.

Help for Mold in the Workplace

Are you an employer who is fighting mold in the workplace? If you are, it helps to have professionals that you can count on. Contact Stern Mold to get the help you need.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information

Is Mold Causing Your Sinus Infection?

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Let Us Rid Your Home or Office of Mold!

Let Us Rid Your Home or Office of Mold!

Do you have sinus problems that you’ve come to accept as a chronic condition? Mold allergies can masquerade as a sinus infection or other upper-respiratory ailment, leading people to treat the symptoms rather than the source.

Mold and Your Health: The Hidden Connection

Many people believe that interior mold is merely a cosmetic issue, but according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all types of mold present a potential health risk. Variables such as age, overall health, and length of exposure determine the severity of your reaction.

Mold doesn’t have to be visually evident to pose a danger. Microscopic mold spores are constantly floating in the air, both indoors and outdoors. Studies have found that something as benign as a Christmas tree can trigger a mold problem.

Healthcare Doesn’t Always Have the Answer

Symptoms of mold exposure can fool even experienced healthcare professionals. In the 1990s, the results of a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic strongly suggested that the majority of chronic sinusitis cases are caused by exposure to mold and fungi.

Unfortunately, most doctors continue to treat sinus infections with antibiotics. While these drugs are effective against bacteria, they’re useless in fighting mold. Be proactive with your healthcare and don’t be afraid to raise the possibility of mold with your physician.

Get Peace of Mind with Mold Treatment by Stern Mold

Our professionally trained technicians have been successfully removing mold in NYC and northern NJ for more than 20 years. Visit our website to learn more about mold and your health and find out how our eco-friendly MoldExterm process is a safe, cost-effective solution for both homes and businesses.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment
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