Category Archives: Mold & Your Health

Mold – OSHA’s Recognition of the Hazard

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Feeling Under the Weather? Mold May be the Cause.

Feeling Under the Weather? Mold May be the Cause.

It’s possible that you’ve dealt with mold in your home, so you know what a hazard it can be. However, when there’s mold in the workplace, there seems to be an entirely different set of problems. Historically, some employers have not been very quick in dealing with mold problems, which can cause serious health issues for workers. The good news is that this is changing because of the fact that OSHA is recognizing what a serious hazard mold really is.

Why is Mold So Dangerous?

Warm and moist conditions provide the perfect atmosphere for mold growth. The result is a potentially serious health hazard that requires immediate attention. Mold can result in:

• Nasal stuffiness

• Irritations to the eyes

• Allergic reactions

• Wheezing

• The onset of asthma attacks

OSHA recently released a document detailing the hazards and dangers of mold, so if it’s affecting your workplace then something needs to be done quickly.

Treating Mold Problems the Right Way

Preventative measures can and should be taken to keep mold problems at bay. However, this isn’t always the case. Oftentimes, once mold is discovered, the problem is already out of hand, and it simply cannot be dealt with properly without professional intervention.

There’s a common misconception that in order to properly treat mold, the walls need to be ripped out and new walls put in. This isn’t necessary in most cases. By using the right type of treatment, mold can be eradicated and prevented from reoccurring.

Have you discovered mold in the workplace? If so, Stern Mold can help. Contact us today and we’ll remedy your problem in as little as one day.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment

How is Mold Different Than Fungus?

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Not The Fungus You Want

The Difference

When it comes to mold and fungus, it’s common to hear these terms used interchangeably. Although mold and fungus do have similarities, they’re not quite the same. It’s important to understand the differences between these two, so you can make sure your property is effectively treated for a mold or fungus problem.

Classification and Appearance

Mold is classified as a fungus, and fungus belongs to a separate classification group that does not include bacteria, animals or plants. Fungus comes in a wide range of colors and appearances, and the same applies to mold. Mold spores are too small to see on their own, but they take on a visible appearance when they grow in clumps or groups. These spores can end up having a black, slimy appearance or a fuzzy orange or brown appearance. Mold can also be white, yellow or several other colors.

Types of Mold and Fungus

More than 200,000 species of fungus exist, including mold and lichen. Fungus can change appearance and even develop features associated with different types when it is exposed to certain moisture levels and weather conditions. There are more than 100,000 species of mold in our environment. Some of these can cause allergic reactions, while others can make people with weakened immune systems ill. Certain types of mold can cause serious illness.

Whether you have mold or another type of fungus, it’s crucial to have it take care of as soon as possible to reduce health risks.

If you think you have mold, contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection. We can determine if you have a mold problem and take steps to get rid of it.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News

Mold Outbreak Death Lawsuit in Pennsylvania Settled for Over $1 Million

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Mold Isn't Just In Old Buildings, Find Out if You're Safe Before It's Too Late.

Mold Isn’t Just In Old Buildings, Find Out if You’re Safe Before It’s Too Late.

Do you believe that interior mold and fungus is found only in old, dirty buildings? The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) recently settled the second lawsuit to arise as the result of a mold outbreak dating back to 2014.

A Disturbing Pattern

Shelby Slagle, a 27-year-old woman from Groveport, OH, had a heart transplant at UPMC, but died in June 2015. This past September, the hospital paid $1.35 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Slagle’s widower.

This judgment came shortly after another lawsuit that settled for the same amount in May 2016. The family of 47-year-old Tracy Fischer of Erie, PA, filed suit following Fischer’s death in October 2014 after developing a fungal infection.

During the period between 2014 and July 2016, three other UPMC transplant patients died as a result of mold infections. All five spent time in a “negative pressure”‘ room, prompting a federal investigation of these cases.

Could These Deaths Have Been Prevented?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), negative pressure rooms are intended to house patients who have a pre-existing infection. The ventilation system is designed to pull outside air into the room, reducing the possibility of infections spreading throughout the hospital but increasing the chance of infections in transplant patients who are taking drugs to suppress their immune systems.

Protect Your Family with Expert Mold Treatment from Stern Mold

When it comes to mold treatment, there is no wait-and-see period. Visit our website to learn more about our proprietary MoldExterm process that safely removes mold and leaves a barrier preventing future infestations.

 

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News

Does Black Mold Smell?

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The Nose Knows.

The Nose Knows.

When it comes to mold and fungus, out of sight is not out of mind. Sometimes an infestation develops in a hidden or out-of-the-way space, and the first clue comes through your nose rather than your eyes. What causes the odor, and what steps should you take to remove it?

The Nose Knows

Mold and fungus produce several gasses known as microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC. Many of them are odorless, but some of these gasses emit that stale, musty odor that’s commonly associated with mold.

While the smell of mold is unpleasant on its own, it’s indicative of a more serious health threat. If you can smell mold, chances are high that you’re inhaling both MVOC and mold spores themselves. Some of these compounds are mycotoxins that can cause physical and mental ailments ranging from sinus infections to depression.

How Do You Remove Mold Odor?

Scented candles, sprays and other conventional air fresheners are only temporary solutions because they simply mask the smell. The only way to truly rid your home or office of mold odor is to remove the source.

If you smell that tell-tale musty odor, don’t rely on an over-the-counter mold test. Professionally trained technicians such as the ones at Stern Mold have the know-how to get accurate results and the experience to determine where to look for mold and fungus.

MoldExterm: A Non-Toxic, Non-Invasive Solution

Traditional mold remediation will remove the smell along with a good chunk of building materials. Contact us for a free mold inspection in NYC or northern NJ and learn why MoldExterm is the most effective way to remove and prevent mold and fungus.

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

WebMD Weighs in On Mold Health Issues

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Health Risks of Mold

Health Risks of Mold

Each month nearly 10 million people turn to WebMD for medical information and advice about managing their health. Here’s what the site has to say about the risks of indoor mold and fungus as well as tips for controlling its growth.

Health Risks of Mold

Touching or inhaling mold spores can result in allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy and runny eyes, and skin rashes. While symptoms are more intense in people who are sensitive to mold, they can also occur in people who are not normally prone to allergies.

Individuals with pre-existing upper respiratory conditions like asthma are extremely susceptible to symptoms of mold exposure. Others at high risk include infants and children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.

Moisture: The Lifeblood of Mold

Mold is omnipresent so it’s impossible to eliminate completely, but you can take measures to prevent mold from infesting indoor surfaces. The most important step is controlling moisture, which is the main ingredient that mold needs to thrive.

If you find mold and fungus growing in your home or building, this means the conditions are right, whether it’s due to a broken water pipe, excess humidity or leak in the basement. Removing the mold is only a cosmetic solution, and the problem will reoccur unless you address the underlying cause.

MoldExterm Destroys Mold and Fungus, Not Your Home or Building

Do you suspect mold in your NYC or northern NJ home or business? Stern Mold’s proprietary MoldExterm system removes fungus and lays down a protective barrier while sparing walls, counters and other building materials. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection from our professionally trained technicians.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News
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