Category Archives: Mold & Your Health

Aspergillosis – a Lung Infection Caused by Exposure to Mold

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Lungs And Mold

Lungs And Mold

Inhaling mold spores on a regular basis can irritate your throat and nasal passages, causing allergic reactions such as sneezing and coughing. A more serious threat lurks for people who have low resistance or pre-existing lung conditions.

Aspergillosis: When Mold Turns Infectious

Aspergillus is one of the more common types of mold, occurring frequently both indoors and outdoors. Chances are you inhale Aspergillus spores on a daily basis with little or no adverse effects.

However, individuals with weakened immune systems or who have a lung disease are at risk of developing aspergillosis, which is an infection resulting from exposure to Aspergillus spores.

Types of Aspergillosis

There are more than 180 identified species of Aspergillus, but fewer than 40 of them cause infection. Different forms of aspergillosis include:

• Allergic bronchopulmonary and allergic sinustis cause inflammation that triggers allergic reactions but no infection.

• Aspergilloma, or “fungus ball,” is a ball of Aspergillus mold that grows in the lungs and sinuses.

• Chronic pulmonary causes cavities in the lungs, and may occur in conjunction with aspergilloma.

• Invasive is an infectious form that usually affects the lungs, although it can spread to other parts of the body.

• Cutaneous develops when Aspergillus spores enter the body via the skin, such as through a cut or wound.

Live in Northern NJ or NYC? Schedule your Free Mold Inspection from Stern Mold.

If you suspect a mold infestation in your home, it should be treated immediately regardless of the type of fungus. Contact us today to schedule your free mold inspection by our professionally trained technicians. We can deal with mold infestation quickly and effectively using our eco-friendly MoldExterm process.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News

What Illnesses are Linked to a Mold Problem?

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Prevent These Symptoms Now!

Prevent These Symptoms Now!

By now there is a sizable body of evidence about the connection between mold and illness, but do you know what symptoms to watch for? If you or members of your family begin experiencing these signs, consult your primary care physician about a possible mold-related illness.

Upper Respiratory Problems

Since mold spores are inhaled, they most commonly trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing and itchy, runny eyes. Even people who don’t normally suffer from allergies can have these reactions from excessive exposure to mold. Individuals with immune deficiencies or pre-existing lung conditions can develop more serious issues such as asthma or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Unexplained Muscle Pain

Muscle cramps and so-called “pin-prick” pains, in the absence of vigorous physical activity, sometimes occur after contact with mold.

Depression

Researchers have discovered a link between damp, moldy living quarters and depression. At least part of the cause is attributed to the reality of poor living conditions and lack of control over the surroundings.

Digestive Troubles

Exposure to mold can affect your digestive system, resulting in nausea, diarrhea or stomach cramps. Unexplained weight gain can also be a sign of a mold-related illness.

Numbness in Extremities

After contact with mold, some people experience the pins-and-needles sensation identified with numbness in their hands and feet.

Contact Stern Mold for Northern NJ and NYC Mold Treatment

Elimination and prevention of mold are the best methods to avoid health-related problems. Our proprietary MoldExterm system provides effective northern NJ and NYC mold treatment, including application of an eco-friendly barrier that guards against future reoccurrence. Contact us today to schedule your free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment

Common Mold Types Found in Buildings and Condos

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Common Molds

Common Molds

Mold is generic term that covers more than just one type of mold found in buildings and condos. Each mold shares characteristics but the main types have certain identifiable features, all of which require NYC mold treatment.

Alternia

This is the most common type of mold and one of the biggest causes of allergic reactions. Alternia concentrations are highest in the summer when their spores come inside through dry winds.

Aspergillus

This mold is often found as the culprit of mold infestations in buildings. The spores of aspergillus are toxic and exist in higher quantities inside. This toxic mold can cause health issues in humans and animals.

Cladosporium

This mold thrives at nearly all temperatures, including extreme cold. It can be a major cause of asthma attacks.

Penicillium

This toxic mold has a colorful appearance that can be green, blue or yellow. This type of mold contains mycotoxins that humans developed into the beneficial antibiotic of penicillin.

Stachybotrys

Commonly called “black mold,” this type of mold is highly toxic and thrives on cotton, paper and wood. It dominates other types of mold that already have established colonies.

Many forms of mold are impossible to detect without professional assistance. Mold can live in the walls, floors and ceilings of a building without being seen. Even when you can’t see mold, it can cause health issues that require help from NYC mold treatment. Sometimes it can spread unseen for such a long period that it requires intensive treatment and removal. Protecting health and preserving building structures should be the top priority of every property owner.

NYC mold treatment from Stern Mold provides safe, effective mold removal solutions.

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

Is it the Summer Flu or Blastomycosis? The CDC Explains

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Can't Shake The Sickness Off? You May Have This Mold-Induced Condition.

Can’t Shake The Sickness Off? You May Have This Mold-Induced Condition.

Have you been feeling down with a case of the flu that you just can’t seem to shake? What you’re experiencing may actually be blastomycosis, an infection caused by inhaling fungal spores.

What is Blastomycosis?

The illness gets its name from Blastomyces, a fungus found in the environment, especially around decomposing organic matter. Not everyone who is exposed will become infected, but onset of the illness is generally between three weeks and three months after the spores are inhaled.

Symptoms and Treatment

Diagnosis of blastomycosis is often not immediately apparent because the symptoms are similar to those of the flu. They include:

• Extreme fatigue

• Fever and/or night sweats

• Coughing and chest pain

• Aching muscles and sore joints

• Unexplained weight loss

Treatment with prescription medication takes anywhere from six months to one year, based on the severity of the infection. Pets are also susceptible to blastomycosis, but the infection is not contagious.

The real danger of this illness involves people with weakened immune systems. In such cases, blastomycosis can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, including the central nervous system.

If you suspect that you have blastomycosis, your doctor can order a test using a blood or urine sample. He may also order a CAT scan or chest x-ray to check your lungs.

Stern Mold Offers Northern NJ and NYC Free Mold Inspections

Blastomycosis is only one of the health problems that can arise from exposure to mold. Don’t wait until you or your loved ones get sick. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule your Northern NJ or NYC free mold inspection by our professionally trained technicians.

 

Posted in Mold & Your Health

Biotoxin Illness and Mold Interaction

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Are You Experiencing Symptoms Caused By Mold Toxicity?

Are You Experiencing Symptoms Caused By Mold Toxicity?

The generic term “mold illness” has been used to cover a variety of different ailments caused by exposure to fungi. While some reactions are due to allergies, doctors have identified a specific condition known as biotoxin illness that goes much deeper than just sneezing and coughing.

How Your Body Fights Toxic Mold

Your body’s immune system is charged with protecting you from bacteria, viruses and other foreign cells, including mycotoxins found in mold and mold spores. For many people, their immune systems will identify these toxins and produce antibodies to target and neutralize them.

Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, a pioneer in the study and treatment of biotoxin illness, found that up to 25 percent of the population have immune systems that are genetically unable to produce this response. This condition has been named Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).

Immune Systems “Gone Haywire”

People with CIRS have genetic markers that let their immune systems run unchecked. When invading cells (known as antigens) enter their system, antibodies are unable to clear them. As a result, their immune system continues to assault the antigens, causing a chronic state of inflammation.

If you have CIRS, mold exposure can cause multiple symptoms, ranging from fatigue, weakness and joint pain, to mood swings, vertigo and “brain fog.” There is no easy way to determine beforehand if you suffer from CIRS, so effective mold remediation is crucial for any occurrence.

Do You Suspect Mold in Your NYC or Northern NJ Home?

Don’t take chances with your family’s health. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule your free inspection and get more information about our proprietary MoldExterm mold remediation process.

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