Category Archives: Mold & Your Health

Can You Get Asthma from Mold Exposure?

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Can Mold Give You Asthma?

Can Mold Give You Asthma?

As many asthma sufferers will tell you, mold and fungus can trigger their symptoms with a vengeance. The rest of us should also be concerned because there’s also a link between mold exposure and asthma symptoms in people who have never been diagnosed with asthma.

The common early symptoms of mold-related asthma include:

• Shortness of breath, and discomfort when breathing

• Tightening of the chest

• Wheezing and coughing

• Feeling of tiredness or lack of oxygen when exercising

If your home has a mold or fungus problem and someone in the family already has asthma, their symptoms and asthma attacks can become more frequent and severe.

Treatment for Mold Exposure and Asthma

Take action quickly to get treatment for both the mold problem and mold-related health issues. See a doctor and be sure to mention the mold issues at home, as it may help him diagnose the cause of the symptoms and prescribe an appropriate treatment protocol.

For the mold and fungus exposure, it’s best to seek professional service. Normal household cleaning cannot kill toxins that may be deep within the walls or inside of surfaces.

Modern mold treatment is less invasive and less expensive than traditional methods. Our bio remedial mold treatment avoids the need to open up walls and replace drywall. Instead, we use a safe anti-microbial treatment and apply a polymer seal to trap the mold spores and prevent them from causing further respiratory problems.

In addition to seeking appropriate medical care, contact us at Stern Mold to ask about our NJ and NYC mold treatment services. Our faster, simpler, guaranteed mold treatment is an important first step toward preventing mold-related asthma problems.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, News

Celebrities and Mold – Who’s Had a Problem?

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Mold Goes After Everyone

Mold Goes After Everyone

Mold and fungus, like bedbugs, are often presumed to be a consequence of poor housekeeping and lack of cleanliness. In fact, mold is an equal opportunity problem that has no respect for age, income, or personal habits.

Celebrities are just as vulnerable as anyone. Here’s a look at some well-known names who have fought battles against mold and fungus in their own homes.

Suzanne Somers

Actress Suzanne Somers and her husband suffered a terrible loss when their Malibu home burned down in a wildfire, but they had no idea of the problems waiting in their rental house. After both became chronically ill, they discovered an unfinished room full of mold underneath the house. The experience inspired Somers to write her book, Tox-Sick: From Toxic to Not Sick.

Ed McMahon

After contractors failed to adequately clean up water damage from a leaky pipe, McMahon’s six-bedroom home began to fill with mold that sickened him and his wife along with their staff, and eventually leading to the death of their beloved family dog. After a year, McMahon was awarded a multi-million dollar judgment for negligence and breach of contract.

Bianca Jagger

Mick Jagger’s glamorous ex-wife was living in a luxurious NYC apartment rented for $4,000 a month. After three independent tests revealed that the apartment was full of Aspergillus, Jagger began staying in hotel rooms or with friends. Her landlord then evicted her on the basis of violating the terms of her rent-controlled apartment by not actually living there.

NYC and Northern NJ Leaders in Mold Removal

Don’t fall victim to the insidious effects of mold and fungus. Contact Stern Mold today for a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, Mold Remediation

How to Be Proactive in Your Office to Prevent a Mold Infestation

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Prevent Mold in Your Office

Prevent Mold in Your Office

Mold and fungus can grow inside walls, floors and HVAC systems for years without being detected. Over time, it can become so severe that it ends up causing health problems in those who are exposed to it. Taking steps to protect your office from mold is the most effective way to reduce this risk. You can do so in the following ways.

Health Concerns

Take any reports of health issues among employees seriously. If employees are experiencing respiratory problems that might be caused by mold, encourage them to see their doctor.

Water Problems

Watch for signs of water problems, such as leaks or dampness, and ask employees to let you know right away if they notice any. Other signs of potential water damage include stains and spots on walls and ceilings, peeling paint and buckling floors. Get rid of and replace any materials that have been damaged, such as carpeting or drywall.

Odors

Some types of mold give off a distinct odor, but others don’t. Have your building checked for mold if you or your employees notice a musty or unpleasant smell. Keep in mind that these odors could be coming from your ducts, so have your HVAC system and ductwork checked for mold if these smells are detected.

Indoor Environmental Quality Program

Set up a program that emphasizes the importance of indoor environmental quality in your building. This program should provide employees with information on detecting potential mold problems and reporting them.

If you suspect that there might be mold in your building, please contact Stern Mold. We provide mold and fungus treatment for businesses in NJ, NYC and Long Island.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information, News

Mold Treatment Tips for Renters

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Finding Mold in Your Rental Home

Finding Mold in Your Rental Home

Mold can easily go unnoticed in your New York apartment or house. It can grow under carpet, inside the walls, or in the ceiling. Mold can cause serious health problems for many people. Unlike smoke or a natural gas leak, the presence of mold is not always obvious and there are no alarms to detect the existence of mold spores in the air. If you or any member of your household are experiencing persistent allergy symptoms, your apartment may need mold treatment.

Signs of mold

Mold needs moisture to grow. If you see water spots on the walls, ceiling or floor, that’s an opportunity for mold. Cracked or peeling paint and wallpaper that is separating from the wall can also indicate water damage. Mold may look like a mysterious dirty spot in the corner of a room or soot stain around an HVAC register. As mentioned previously, mold can grow inside walls or in the ceiling without giving any visual indication of its presence. If you notice a musty smell in one area of your residence, further investigation may be necessary.

Speak to your landlord

You should report any water leaks, moisture problems, or signs of mold to your property manager immediately. Mold is a serious issue that does not go away on its own. By catching a mold problem early, you will likely save them money on mold treatment costs. The New York State Department of Health recommends you contact your local building department or code enforcement official if your landlord fails to address the problem.

Building owners can contact Stern Mold for a free mold consultation in Northern NJ and NYC.

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

St. Albans HS in WV Fights Mold Problems Right Before School Starts

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Mold Can Infect Schools Too.

Mold Can Infect Schools Too.

The growth of mold and fungus inside homes and other buildings can lead to a variety of health issues. That’s why it’s important to have these growths removed as soon as possible. One high school in West Virginia recently battled a mold problem that could have delayed the start of the school year.

Discovery

St. Albans High School dealt with a mold issue in early August thanks to an air conditioning unit that failed to work properly. Officials believe a sprinkler system that was used to keep the school cool might have caused the mold issue. Crews started treating the school right away so they could ensure that it would be safe before the school year started.

More Problems

However, mold was discovered about a week later in the school’s band room. Students weren’t allowed in that room until it was treated for mold. The school also had a problem with standing water in the basement, which could have contributed to the mold problem.

Mold in Your Home?

The mold and fungus issues at St. Albans High School call attention to the importance of having similar infestations cleared out of your home. Keep in mind that colonies can grow inside your walls where they’re harder to detect. If you notice an unpleasant odor or other signs of mold and fungus, such as health issues that only seem to get worse at home, it’s crucial to have an inspection done as soon as possible.

Don’t let mold and fungus affect your health. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection of your home.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Information
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